Slender Pondweed
Potamogeton pusillus
Slender pondweed has thin, grass-like leaves along slender, branching stems. (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Slender pondweed is a bay grass with long, thin, grass-like leaves along slender, branching stems. It grows in quiet, fresh to slightly brackish creeks, rivers and other tidal tributaries throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Appearance:
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Long, thin, grass-like leaves with pointed tips and a visible midrib
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Some leaves have a purplish tint
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Leaves are arranged alternately along slender, branching stems
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In late summer, whorls of 3-5 flowers bloom at the end of spikes that grow in the leaf axil
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Has a root-rhizome system
Habitat:
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Grows in quiet, fresh to slightly brackish tidal waters
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Also found in ponds and reservoirs
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Often grows in soft, fertile mud
Range:
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Found in the upper and middle Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries, such as creeks and rivers, throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Predators:
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
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Reproduces asexually when buds made of dense clumps of leaves fall off, overwinter, and form new plants in spring
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Sexual reproduction takes place in late summer, when flowers are fertilized underwater and produce smooth rounded seeds
Other Facts:
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Also known as small pondweed
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Can be confused with sago pondweed, horned pondweed and widgeon grass. Slender pondweed can be distinguished by the slight purplish tint on some leaves.
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