Whitestem pondweed
Potamogeton praelongus · Aquatic plants
Out of the water · Photo: Kallum McDonald / CC0
How to identify Whitestem pondweed
- Pale, zigzag stems
- Long leaves with hooded, boat shaped tips that clasp the stem
- No floating leaves
Similar plants
Richardson's pondweed has shorter leaves without hooded tips and green stems.
Growth profile
| Growing season | Grows from rhizomes in late spring, flowers early in summer and dies back in fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts growing | About 50 F water |
| Light | Needs clear water |
| Depth | 5 to 20 feet |
| How it spreads | Rhizomes and seeds |
| Habitat | Deep, clear, cold lakes with soft bottoms. |
Why it matters in a lake
Good indicator of clear water; disappears as water clarity drops. Valuable trout and waterfowl habitat.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Potamogetonaceae |
| Scientific name | Potamogeton praelongus |
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Slender naiadNeed a hand?
Is it taking over your lake?
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