Control Watercress

Many people ask how to get rid of watercress. The following options can be considered for how to control watercress.

Click here to read more about identifying this plant.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove watercress, physically pulling this plant can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. Watercress can re-grow from any fragments remaining in the area.

Herbicide Control:

We have a possible option for how to kill watercress that may offer control.

1. Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed directly on the exposed parts of the plants.

Treatment Tips:

When treating watercress,

• With Imox or other systemic herbicides, treatment is most effective when the plants are mature or close to full grown. This allows for more plant surface to spray enough mixture on.
  • Treat in late summer to early fall to get better kill of the root systems. At this time, plants are pulling energy into their roots to store for the winter.
• Watercress is not listed on the Imox label, but it is a broad spectrum herbicide and will control a wide variety of weeds.