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Variableleaf pondweed

Potamogeton gramineus · Aquatic plants

Variableleaf pondweed: Out of the water

Out of the water · Photo: Doug Suitor / CC BY

NativeSubmerged

Also called Grassy pondweed, Variable pondweed

How to identify Variableleaf pondweed

  • Narrow submersed leaves and small oval floating leaves
  • Many branches near the base
  • Leaf shape varies a lot with water depth

Similar plants

Illinois pondweed is larger with broader leaves; variable leaf milfoil is a feathery plant despite the similar name.

Growth profile

Growing seasonGrows from rhizomes in late spring, floating leaves appear in summer, dies back in fall.
Starts growingAbout 50 F water
LightPrefers clear water
Depth1 to 6 feet
How it spreadsRhizomes, seeds and winter buds
HabitatShallow lakes, ponds and streams, often in clear, hard water over sand or gravel.

Why it matters in a lake

A common, low growing native. Provides food for waterfowl.

Where it is found

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

Classification

KingdomPlantae
PhylumTracheophyta
ClassMagnoliopsida
OrderAlismatales
FamilyPotamogetonaceae
Scientific namePotamogeton gramineus

More submerged plants

Eurasian watermilfoilCurly leaf pondweedBrazilian elodeaCoontailElodeaSago pondweedLeafy pondweedCommon bladderwortWhite water buttercupSlender naiad

Browse all aquatic plants in the Species Database

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