How to Prepare and Mail Aquatic Plants for Identification

What is that plant?

We encourage lake residents to be aware of changes in the aquatic plants growing in their lake.  Sometimes these changes are the result of seasonal conditions - hot sunny summers may cause increased plant growth - but sometimes these changes mean that a nonnative aquatic plant, like Eurasian watermilfoil, has been introduced to the lake.

If you notice an aquatic plant whose growth seems excessive or atypical, we would like to help you identify it (Washington State residents only please).  If it is a nonnative noxious plant, we can suggest some management options.  If it is a native plant, its increased growth may be in response to excess nutrients entering the lake.  In that case, we may suggest working with your neighbors and the local government to control nutrient sources to the lake. 

If you would like to have that aquatic plant identified--here's the steps you need to follow:.

How to Collect Aquatic Plant Specimens

You can collect an underwater plant by dropping a weighted rake to the bottom of the waterbody and pulling up the plants snagged by the rake.  When possible, the entire plant, including the roots, stems, flowers or fruits should be collected.  (The flower and fruits of many aquatic plants often stick up above the water in a spike-like arrangement).

If it isn't possible to collect the entire plant, get as much of it as you can; not just the top few inches.  Some plants have floating leaves and underwater leaves; be sure to include both types of leaves.  Wash the plant in clean water to remove algae, debris, and other adhering materials.  Don't allow the plant to dry out.

Make notes of the date, location, collector's name and address, and some details about the site where the plant was collected. 

Mailing the Plant

After the plant has been washed and is free of debris, lay it carefully on a damp paper towel.  Wet the towel and squeeze most of the water out before arranging the plant neatly as if you were going to press it in a book.  Lay another paper towel on top of the plant so that it is sandwiched between the two damp paper towels.  Place the plant in a water-tight plastic bag, such as a ZipLock™ bag and put it in a regular-size envelope for mailing. Be sure to include your name, address, E-mail address, telephone number, and a copy of the notes you made when collecting the plant.  Try to mail the plant on a Monday to minimize the time the plant spends in transit.  Poorly-prepared plants, or plants that sit in hot conditions often arrive in such poor shape that they can't be identified.

Call or E-mail ahead to make sure that somebody will be there to identify your plants when they arrive. This is important because we can't identify gooey and  rotten plants.

Send plants to:

Kathy Hamel 
Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA  98504-7600

Send E-mail to Kathy (kham461@ecy.wa.gov)

Or

Jenifer Parsons
15 West Yakima Ave -- Suite 200
Yakima, WA 98902-3452

Send E-mail to Jenifer (jenp461@ecy.wa.gov)

What Happens Next?

When we receive the plant (assuming it arrives in good condition), we will identify it and notify you by telephone, by E-mail, or in writing of the plant identification.  Some aquatic plants are very difficult to identify as to species--so we can't guarantee that we can provide you with the species name. We can confirm whether it is a nonnative, noxious weed or a native plant and whether it is likely to become a nuisance.  If it is a nonnative noxious weed, we can suggest control options. Sometimes, funding options are available. If it is a native plant, we may suggest nutrient reduction measures.

Plant Identification Table of Contents | Learn How to Press Plants
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