Nuttall’s waterweed  Elodea nuttallii

Photo: GBNNSS with thanks to British Waterways

• Appearance: Submerged, perennial freshwater plant, whorls of 3-4 leaves, branching stems up to 3 metres in length.

• Growth: Found in still or slow flowing water, vigorous growth forming dense mats, small fragments can regrow.
• Impact: Negative impact on aquatic ecosystems, outcompetes and displaces native plants, forms monocultures impacting on species diversity, dense growth can clog waterways and contribute to flooding.

• Pathway: Deliberate release or improper disposal of this pond plant into the wild.

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• Legal status: Species of special concern listed under the retained EU Regulation 1143/2014 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement & Permitting) Order 2019.

• Unless certain exemptions apply you must not:
  • keep them (unless already growing on your land or kept in a contained holding)
  • sell them to other people
  • use them or exchange them for goods
  • grow, cultivate or permit this plant to reproduce
  • release them into the environment
  • import them into the UK
  • transport them within the UK
  • export them to other countries

• What to do if you see Nuttall’s waterweed for sale or other offences being committed: Make a report by following the guidance here.

• What to do if you see this plant in the wild: Record it with a photograph (where possible).

• Make sure you don’t spread this plant: Check Clean Dry your boots and equipment and Be Plant Wise in your garden.

• Links to more: Species information and ID sheet.