Aquatic Invasive Plant Identification Cards: Starry Stonewort vs. Muskgrass
DOWNLOADSeptember 2, 2026 - Jo Latimore, Paige Filice, Erick Elgin, and Chelsea Cooper
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EmailWith its abundance of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, Michigan is vulnerable to the impacts of aquatic invasive plants. Invasive plants can negatively impact habitat, water quality, and biodiversity. Fortunately, new invasions can often be stopped if caught early. To help Michiganders identify invasive aquatic plants, Michigan State University Extension created a series of illustrated identification cards.
Learning to identify aquatic invasive plants is critical to slowing their spread in Michigan lakes, rivers, and wetlands. If your organization is interested in large quantities of any of these identification cards for distribution, they are currently available in packs of 100 of each design at no cost by filling out our request form at bit.ly/aiscards. You may also be interested in our more detailed 2025 publication, “Aquatic Invasive Plants: A Field Guide for Michigan Lakes, Streams, and Ponds.”
Starry Stonewort vs. Muskgrass
Starry stonewort is an invasive macroalga (large algae that are visually similar to rooted plants) that has rapidly invaded lakes in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and appears to be moving northward. Starry stonewort has smooth green “stems” and unevenly forking branches arranged in whorls. Its most unique feature is the tiny white, star-shaped bulbils (reproductive structures) that it produces on clear filaments that look like fishing line in the sediment. These stars, along with its smoothness and uneven branching, distinguish starry stonewort from its native relative, Chara (muskgrass).
