Cabomba

• Perennial, submerged aquatic plant with multiple stems up to 10m long.
• Submerged leaves and stems have thin gelatinous coating.
• Leaves are opposite and repeatedly divided to form feathery, fan-shaped structures.
• Flowers are white, produced above surface, preceded by few narrow floating leaves.
• Plants can form dense canopies below water surface.

• Grows in ponds, lakes and quiet streams.
• Generally rooted in water 1–3m deep (sometimes up to 6m) but continues to grow free-floating if uprooted.
• Thrives in cool and warm waters.
• Grows in shade and full sun.

• Visit Weeds Australia and click on the distribution tab to access the distribution map.

• Grows and flowers predominantly in summer.
• Spreads from stem fragments (regeneration by seeds has so far only been observed in Northern Territory and Victoria).

Environmental

• Aggressively invades native freshwater systems.
• Transforms aquatic ecosystems.
• Displaces native plants.
• Affects native wildlife.

Economic

• Affects water quality.
• Increases siltation in lakes.
• Obstructs creeks, lakes and dams.
• Interferes with infrastructure (e.g. irrigation).

Social

• Impedes aquatic recreational activities.
• Endangers swimmers who can become entangled.

• Fragments spread by water flow, floods, watercraft, trailers, fishing gear and animals.
• Spread mainly by humans.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Mechanical control

• Hand-pull small infestations, taking care to remove entire plant to prevent re-infestation.
• Use harvesters on larger areas for  temporary control.

Herbicide control

• Carfentrazone is currently the only herbicide registered for control of cabomba.

Read the cabomba fact sheet (PDF, 1.1MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Cabomba caroliniana is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not give away, sell or release Cabomba caroliniana into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must report all sightings of other Cabomba species to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
• All other Cabomba species are prohibited invasive plants.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Cabomba caroliniana under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Cabomba caroliniana. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.