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Horned Pondweed

Zannichellia palustris



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?


USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

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Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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