Zannichellia palustris
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
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: 89.
What is Horned Pondweed?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Long
- Thread-like
- Forming whorls around stem
Flowers:
- Single flowers
- Found May-June
Fruit:
- Located on small stalks near leaves
- Horn-like parts on edge
Seeds:
- Horn shaped
Stem:
- Thread-like
Roots:
- Long
- Thread-like
Where Does it Grow?
Horned pondweed can be found in fresh or slightly salty waters.
Pros and Cons of Horned 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.