Potamogeton natans
Illustration: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 75.
What is Floating Pondweed?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
Submersed Leaves:
- Alternate
- Stiff
- Up to 19.7 inches long
- Up to 0.08 inches wide
Floating Leaves:
- Alternate
- Dark green or copper in color
- 2.36-4.33 inches long
- Up to 2.36 inches wide
- Slightly heart shaped at base
- Stalks longer than blade
Flowers:
- Small
- 4 petals
- Spikes less than 2 inches long
- Stalks up to 4.72 inches long
Fruit:
- Small
- Dry
- One seeded
- Does not open to release seed when ripe
- 0.14-0.2 inches long
- Round
- Rigid
Stem:
- Not branching
- Cylindrical
- Up to 0.08 inches thick
- Fibrous roots growing from rhizomes
Where Does it Grow?
USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Floating pondweed can be found in ponds, lakes and streams.
Pros and Cons of Floating Pondweed
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.