Curlyleaf Pondweed
The potamogetons are probably the most common and diverse group of aquatic vegetation found in Maryland. They are perennials and found in all types of freshwater of the Chesapeake Bay. Curlyleaf pondweed is actually an exotic plant believed to have been introduced from Europe in the 1800s, and gets its name from the obvious curls in the leaves. The plant generally prefers moderately moving fertile waters, and silty-day bottoms. It can be an indicator of pollution. In the winter, the plant turns bluegreen in color and the leaves become more flattened.