Control American Water Willow

Growing in shallow water or mud, American water willow can be found across much of the United States, mostly the eastern half. Controlling this plant completely can take multiple years because it grows from seeds or roots. The following options can be considered for how to control American water willow.

Click here to read more about identifying this plant.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove American water willow, physically cutting this plant or grazing can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. American water willow can re-grow from any seeds or roots remaining in the water.

Herbicide Control:

There is an option for how to kill American water willow that offers great control.

1. Liquid 2, 4-D (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed directly on the plants. Most effective on treatment areas larger than a half acre, this allows longer contact exposure time.

Treatment Tips:

When treating American water willow,

• Treat when the plants are established and actively growing.
• In spring or early summer, water willow plants are pushing their energies up and outward as they grow and may not absorb as much herbicide or move it down to the roots as well as they would in late summer to early fall.
  • Multiple treatments will likely be needed.