Crystal Lake, Ellington - 2005

2005 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Crystal Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

Crystal Lake is heavily developed, with residential properties all around the shore. Many of these properties have rock or concrete retaining walls at the water’s edge or lawns extending to the shoreline. Sandy beaches exist in front of many houses, especially those on the south side of the lake. The state maintains a boat launch on the western shore.

Arrowhead (Sagittaria species) was found to be the dominant plant in Crystal Lake during our August 2005 survey. The low-growing plants formed a nearly continuous band around the 187.4-acre lake, extending as much as 200 feet (60 m) from the shore and to a depth of 8 feet (2.5 m). The invasive variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) grew very densely in three shallow-water locations at the northern tip of the lake where a stream enters, in a cove on the lake’s east side, and in a large cove in the lake’s extreme southeast. Sevenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) formed large stands on sandy sediment in several areas in the lake’s northern end, and Dortmann's cardinalflower (Lobelia dortmanna) was abundant on sandy sediment along the east shore. The floating-leaved watershield (Brasenia schreberi) occurred in the same three areas, growing in the east and southeast coves with yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata) and white water lily (Nymphaea odorata). Charaphyte (Chara) was found in large patches in the north and south parts of the lake.

The other species found in Crystal Lake were much less abundant than the previously mentioned species. Western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii), ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), and humped bladderwort (Utricularia gibba) were found in the east cove. In addition to the east cove, pickerelweed occurred on the west side of the lake with small waterwort (Elatine minima) and golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea). Golden hedge-hyssop was also found on the east side of the lake with Engelmann's quillwort (Isoëtes engelmannii), slender naiad (Najas flexilis), and small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus). Spineless hornwort (Ceratophyllum echinatum), needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis). and floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata) were found in the north end of the lake.