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Ribbon-leaf Pondweed

Potamogeton epihydrus

This perennial submerged aquatic grass can be found in slow-flowing waters that are 3 to 7 feet deep. Its buoyant leaves are identifiable by their light-colored center stripe. It produces small, green-brown flowers.

Appearance:

Stems are flat and grow up to 7 inches long, while buoyant leaves grow up to 3 inches long and feature a light-colored center stripe. This plant produces small, green-brown flowers.

Habitat:

Lakes, ponds and slow-flowing waters

Range:

Found throughout the continental United States and Canada

Reproduction and Life Cycle:

Ribbon-leaf pondweed reproduces through a combination of seeds, sprigs and roots. Fruits and seeds begin to show during summer.

Other Facts:

• The scientific name Potamogeton epihydrus comes from the Greek potamos, meaning “a river”; geiton, meaning “a neighbor”; epi, meaning “over or on”; and hydr, meaning “water”
• It is often confused with flat-stemmed pondweed.
• Ribbon-leaf pondweed provides food and habitat for waterfowl and aquatic animals.

Sources and Additional Information:

• PLANTS Database: Potamogeton ephihydrus – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Ribbon-leaf Waterweed – Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium
• Ribbon-leaf Waterweed – State of Washington Department of Ecology