Starry Stonewort

Nitellopsis obtusa

Starry Stonewort, known as Nitellopsis obtusa, is an aquatic algae native to Europe and Asia, belonging to the Characeae family. It was first recognized as an invasive species following its migration to North America in 1978. N. obtusa was first discovered in North America in 1978 in New York. Since then, it has been documented in various lakes throughout the continent, extending as far north as Canada. Records indicate that N. obtusa is the sole surviving member of an evolutionary lineage of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. As a native species, N. obtusa contributes to water clarity and supports aquatic food webs. The species is commonly found in low-flow lakes with alkaline-to-neutral pH and elevated conductivity. However, as it expanded into North America, populations in parts of its native range have declined. It’s extended, late-season growing may contribute to its invasive success by making it challenging for timing control efforts. Although many efforts have been made to control N. obtusa through physical and chemical removal treatments, there have been few systematic evaluations on the success of these attempts.

Scientific name

Nitellopsis obtusa

Family

Characeae