Which submerged invasive aquatic weed dies back during hot summer months, leaving fruit and turions to survive?

• A. Curlyleaf Pondweed
• B. Hydrilla
• C. Eurasian Watermilfoil
• D. Watermilfoil

Answer: (A)

Curlyleaf pondweed has a seasonal survival pattern where the above-water growth dies back in hot summer, and the plant survives through dormant structures and seeds. It forms turions—special overwintering buds that settle in the sediment—and these dormants carry the population through unfavorable hot periods. When conditions cool, these turions and any remaining fruit can sprout again, reestablishing the weed. The other listed submerged invaders don’t rely on this summer die-back with turions to the same extent; they tend to persist and regrow from other propagules rather than disappearing in heat.