Alpine pondweed
Potamogeton alpinus · Aquatic plants
Underwater · Photo: casey williams / CC BY
Also called Red pondweed
How to identify Alpine pondweed
- Reddish, lance shaped submersed leaves
- Leaves taper to the base without a stalk
- Thin floating leaves sometimes present
Similar plants
Variableleaf pondweed has smaller, greener leaves and branches more near the base.
Growth profile
| Growing season | Grows from rhizomes in late spring, peaks in midsummer and dies back in fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts growing | Grows in cold water, about 45 to 50 F |
| Light | Prefers clear water |
| Depth | 1 to 10 feet |
| How it spreads | Rhizomes, winter buds and seeds |
| Habitat | Cold mountain lakes, ponds and streams with clear water. |
Why it matters in a lake
A cold water native that signals good water quality. Rarely forms nuisance growth.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Potamogetonaceae |
| Scientific name | Potamogeton alpinus |
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Sago pondweed
Leafy pondweed
Common bladderwort
White water buttercup
Slender naiadNeed a hand?
Is it taking over your lake?
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