Description
Appearance
Starry stonewort is a bushy, bright green macro-algae. It produces a characteristic star-shaped bulbil.
Leaves and stem
Thin, bright green branchlets (branch-like structures) can be variable in length and are arranged in whorls (radiating out from a single point) around the stem. Branchlets typically extend in acute angles away from the stem nodes. Tips of the branchlets may have irregularly lengthed forks or divisions.
Reproductive structures
White, star-shaped bulbils (asexual reproductive structures) the size of a grain of rice form on clear threads at the base of the plant and may be found at or below the sediment surface. Small, orange spheres called antheridia (male reproductive structures) may be visible near the tips of the branchlets.
Roots
It produces clear, root-like filaments that anchor it to the sediment.
Biology
Starry stonewort is a macro-algae, meaning it does not have a vascular system like true plants. Each branchlet or stem is a single cell. Native populations consist of both males and females, but all known introduced populations in North America are male. Bulbils are present throughout the growing season, but become most obvious and plentiful in late summer. Starry stonewort may form a dense carpet of material in shallow areas.
Origin and spread
Starry stonewort is native to Eurasia, from the west coast of Europe to Japan. The species was unintentionally introduced into the United States’ Great Lakes through the discharge of contaminated cargo ship ballast water. The first occurrence in the United States was in 1978 along the St. Lawrence River. It was first confirmed in Minnesota in August 2015, in Lake Koronis and connected Mud Lake (Stearns County). Only 13 lakes in Minnesota are listed as infested with starry stonewort. Refer to the infested waters list for current distribution.
Don't be fooled by these look-alikes
It looks similar to many native, beneficial grass-like algae, such as other stoneworts and muskgrasses found in Minnesota lakes and rivers, but can be distinguished based on its production of star-shaped bulbils.
- Muskgrasses (native)
- Stoneworts (native)
- Sago pondweed (native)
- Narrow-leaf pondweeds (native)
Regulatory classification
Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) is a prohibited invasive species in Minnesota, which means it is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import, purchase, transport or introduce this species except under a permit for disposal, control, research or education.
Threat to Minnesota waters
Invasive species cause recreational, economic and ecological damage—changing how residents and visitors use and enjoy Minnesota waters.
Starry stonewort impacts:
- Dense mats at the water’s surface inhibit water recreationists.
- Overtakes habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity.
- Provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native animals.
What you should do
People spread starry stonewort primarily through the movement of water-related equipment. Fragments can get tangled in trailers, motors, anchors and inside watercrafts (boats, canoes and kayaks). Small bulbils, which may be hidden in mud and debris, can stick to trailer bunks, anchors, ropes, fabric, footwear, as well as scuba, fishing and hunting gear. A small fragment or bulbil can start a new population.
Whether or not a lake is listed as infested, Minnesota law requires water recreationists to:
- Clean watercraft of all aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Dry docks, lifts, swim rafts and other equipment for at least 21 days before placing equipment into another water body.
Report new occurrences of starry stonewort to the DNR immediately by contacting your DNR Invasive Species Specialist or log in and submit a report through EDDMapS.
Control methods
Management of invasive aquatic plants involving either mechanical removal of plants or application of herbicides to public waters requires a permit from the DNR. Talk to a DNR specialist for more information.
Mechanical control can be done by hand-pulling, suction dredging, DASH (diver assisted suction harvesting) and using other aquatic vegetation harvesting equipment.
Herbicide control can be done using contact herbicides (endothall, copper and diquat). Contact herbicides damage or kill only parts of plants with which they come into contact, they are not taken up or moved within the plant.