The Brittle Naiad is a non-native annual plant that was first discovered in the U.S. in the 1930s, reproduces by seed and fragmentation, tolerates moderate turbidity and fertile water, and outcompetes native plants by reducing diversity and choking water bodies which can impede use and affect aesthetics. Control options include grass carp and aquatic herbicides such as Diquat, Endothall, Fluridone, and Flumioxazin.

1. Brittle Naiad
Najas minor

2. Only naiad species that is non-native
Annual plant
First discovered in U.S. in 1930’s

5. Leaves stiff, curled, pointed and w/ spines
Highly branched stems up to 4 ft
Confused with native coontail –
opposite leaves not in whorls
Fragments easily !!

7. Tolerates moderate turbidity and
fertile water

8. Reproduces by seed AND fragmentation !
Seeds moved by waterfowl

10. Outcompetes native plants –
reduces diversity of plants
Can choke water body - impede use
Affect aesthetics

11. Control Options

12. Grass Carp

13. Aquatic herbicides
Diquat – “Reward”
Endothall – “Aquathol”
Fluridone – “Sonar”, “Avast”
Flumioxazin – “Clipper”

14. Questions?