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Richardson's pondweed

Potamogeton richardsonii · Aquatic plants

Richardson's pondweed: Out of the water

Out of the water · Photo: Robyn Perkins / CC BY

NativeSubmerged

Also called Richardson’s pondweed, Redhead grass, Claspingleaf pondweed

How to identify Richardson's pondweed

  • Lance shaped leaves with heart shaped bases that clasp the stem
  • Leaf edges slightly wavy without teeth
  • No floating leaves
  • Leaves shed to leave fibrous stipule shreds at nodes

Similar plants

Curly leaf pondweed has toothed, crinkled leaves; whitestem pondweed has hooded tips and zigzag pale stems.

Growth profile

Growing seasonGrows from rhizomes in late spring, flowers in summer and dies back in fall.
Starts growingAbout 50 to 55 F water
LightTolerates moderate turbidity
Depth1 to 12 feet
How it spreadsRhizomes and seeds
HabitatLakes, ponds and slow streams, often in hard water over sand or mud.

Why it matters in a lake

Good fish habitat and waterfowl food. Can grow to the surface in shallow areas.

Where it is found

  • Idaho: Common
  • Oregon: Occasional
  • Wyoming: Common

Classification

KingdomPlantae
PhylumTracheophyta
ClassMagnoliopsida
OrderAlismatales
FamilyPotamogetonaceae
Scientific namePotamogeton richardsonii

More submerged plants

Eurasian watermilfoilCurly leaf pondweedBrazilian elodeaCoontailElodeaSago pondweedLeafy pondweedCommon bladderwortWhite water buttercupSlender naiad

Browse all aquatic plants in the Species Database

Need a hand?

Is it taking over your lake?

We identify what is growing, map how much of it there is and build a control plan that targets it without harming the rest of the lake.

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