Also known as muskgrass, or stonewort, this algae resembles a vascular plant.

Found in hard water, chara gives the appearance of having leaves, stems and roots.

Plants can quickly grow 1-3’ tall and develop a rough scaled coating of lime.

Color varies from bright to burnt green or nearly white from hard water deposits.

Chara is identifiable by its musky, skunk-like or garlic odor when crushed.

Mineral deposits on plants and hard water often require higher product rates.

Chara is generally not a serious nuisance except in shallower bodies of water.

Mature plants may leave mineral skeletons behind for several weeks after treatment.