Ribbon-leaf Pondweed
Potamogeton epihydrus
Ribbon-leaf pondweed is found in lakes, ponds and slow-flowing waters in the continental United States and Canada. (Photo courtesy Rob Curtis/iNaturalist CC BY-NC-SA)
(Photo courtesy Rob Curtis/iNaturalist CC BY-NC-SA)
(Photo courtesy Nate Hartley/iNaturalist CC BY-NC)
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.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Ribbon-leaf pondweed reproduces through a combination of seeds, sprigs and roots. Fruits and seeds begin to show during summer.
Did You Know?
- 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
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
Stem grow up to 7 inches in length; leaves grow up to 3 inches in length
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Habitat
Lakes, ponds and slow-flowing waters
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Range
Found throughout the continental United States and Canada
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Status
Stable
