Coontail

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Coontail, or hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), never grows above water. Usually it does not have roots. It has elongated stems with branches that repeatedly fork; the leaves are whorled with a serrated margin. Each leaf is divided only once.

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This plant is abundant in ditches, ponds, and lakes. It can also occur in sluggish or slow-moving streams. There are several species of coontail, and they can be highly variable, depending on the habitat. Coontail occurs primarily in slightly acid (pH 6.8) waters, but it can tolerate a wide range of pH.

Any of the treatments listed will generally give good results. Be sure to read and follow label instructions before using any chemical in water.

Special care was taken to make certain that all herbicide treatments are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in the manner described. Registrations of specific practices are often changed or deleted; therefore, treatments suggested in this information sheet may not remain current indefinitely. Read and observe the manufacturer's label to prevent misuse of a herbicide. It is not intended or proposed that usage of any given practice suggested in this information sheet be in violation with existing registration or manufacturer's label.

If you fail to carefully read and follow suggested treatments, you could cause extensive damage to the environment, crops, livestock or humans.