Controlling invasive aquatic plants

Getting rid of some of the worst invasive species can take some time and a number of growing seasons. It is important to remove as much of the plant material as possible, while avoiding breaking it into many small pieces which could encourage further spread. By regularly checking for and removing re-growth you should be able to keep these plants under control or completely eradicate them.

What should I do if I find invasive aquatic plants in my pond?

You should:

report – if you come across an invasive plant in your pond or elsewhere you can report its location on the Alien Watch section at the Invasive Species Ireland website. This helps scientists to understand the distribution and spread of invasive species
act quickly - if you find you have an invasive plant and want to remove it, act quickly. Waiting a few weeks or months could allow the plant to spread and become better established
remove every last bit - most invasive species can re-grow from tiny fragments, so try to remove every last bit. You won't always get everything, so make sure to check for re-growth in the following season and remove new plants as necessary
time your work - problem plants can be pulled out at anytime, but big clear outs should be saved for autumn, when they will cause the least disturbance to your pond and any associated wildlife
clean your kit - make sure to clean your footwear and equipment when removing unwanted plants. Tiny fragments could be carried on them and re-grow
don't spread plants with your waste water - any waste pond water should be emptied away from streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and lochs, or drains that flow into them. You could use the excess water on the lawn or to water plants in your garden. Just be careful and avoid damp areas
protect pond life - before disposing of plants, leave them for a few hours beside the pond, so that invertebrates and animals can return to the pond
don't dump your plants in the wild - if you dump any of your aquatic plants in the wild, you could be breaking the law. It is illegal to introduce a wide range of invasive aquatic species into the wild.

How to dispose of your pond plants

'Be Plant Wise' by disposing of aquatic plants responsibly:

compost or green waste only - you should always dispose of plants by composting them or using your local green waste
never place them in a nearby pond, waterway or in the wild. This could be illegal and the plants could damage the environment

Further techniques for dealing with particularly tricky species can be found at the Compost With Care section of the Invasive Species Ireland website:

Invasive Species Ireland - compost with care

Choosing the right plants for your pond

There are plenty of alternative plants you can use for your pond. Which plants are best will depend on what kind of pond you have and where you are in the country. Talk to your pond plant retailer and ask them for advice on which species are most suitable and won't become invasive or escape into the wild.

Here are some suggested native alternatives for your garden pond or aquarium:

Native marginal/emergent plants

Common name	Latin name
Flowering rush	Butomus umbellatus
Marsh marigold	Caltha palustris
Yellow flag iris	Iris pseudacorus
Bogbean	Menyanthes trifoliata
Ragged robin	Lychnis flos-cuculi
Water mint	Mentha aquatica
Marsh cinquefoil	Potentilla palustris
Brooklime	Veronica beccabunga
Water lobelia	Lobelia dortmanna
Arrowhead	Sagittaria sagittifolia
Common water- plantain	Alisma plantago-aquatica

Native oxygenating plants

Common name	Latin name
Curled pondweed	Potamogeton crispus
Perfoliate pondweed	Potamogeton perfoliatus
Lesser pondweed	Potamogeton pusillus
Spike Water milfoil	Myriophyllum spicatum