Duckweed
Lemna
species
For ponds
without fish the only species that is normally
recommended is Ivy-leaf duckweed, Lemna trisulca,
because it is the smallest leafed and least
invasive.
Duckweed
has a broad range of hardiness, growing well in
zones
2 - 11.
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There are several
different species of this generia available, but
one - Lemina minor - can be found in stagnant
ponds everywhere, usually as a bright green mats
of tiny leaves covering the surface. Lemina
minor normally consists of two tiny leaves with
a thin white root hanging below each, close to their
junction.
Duckweed is a fast
grower and is used to shade the water's surface,
helping control algae and water temperature.
Many people have problems controlling duckweed in
their water gardens. If you have Japanese Koi in
the pond the problem reverses and if the fish are
numerous or large, you can't seem to keep any in
the pool at all. Koi love eating it, and in many
cases eat the duckweed faster than you can supply
it. Many people have to grow it in separate washtubs
or containers, because the fish will completely
clean it out of the pond.
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