Bladderwort

Bladderworts (Utricularia spp.) are about 8 inches tall and lack roots but have flowers on erect stems above the water. They often have small flowers on a frail stem just a few centimeters above the surface.  Usually these flowers are yellow, but some species have purple flowers. The underwater branches are fleshy and inflated with air which allows them to float. The leaves are whorled with 4 to 10 forked, lateral leaves.  Bladderworts also have modified leaves underwater that bear small oval “bladders” which trap and digest small aquatic creatures. Bladderworts are usually found in quiet shallow, acidic waters and can form dense mats. Bladderwort can also be rooted to the bottom, but only rarely.

Management Options

Mechanical Options

Bladderwort can be physically removed from the pond by cutting.

Information on Mechanical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Biological Options

Grass carp will consume bladderwort and are effective at controlling it.

Information on Biological Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Chemical Options

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating bladderwort include: 2, 4-D (G), Diquat (G), Fluridone (G) and Imazamox (G). E = excellent, G = good

Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Return to the non-rooted floating vegetation page