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Curly-leaved pondweed grows in a variety of water conditions, and can be seen growing in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and salt marshes. It is fairly tolerant of brackish water as well as fresh water. Although it thrives best in nutrient-dense and alkaline waters, it competes with native plants under other water conditions as well. These plants tend to form dense mats to the surface of the water, frequently inhibiting growth of native plants. Along with impacting native plant growth, these mats can be detrimental to recreation, by interfering with boats and other water sports. Because their germination occurs in the fall, they overwinter under ice and become one of the first plants to grow in the spring, giving them distinct advantage and more resources. During the summer, when the plants die off, the excess decaying organic matter makes the water extremely eutrophic, also potentially causing detrimental algal blooms
