Potamogetonaceae

Pondweed Family

Pondweeds

FAMILY: Pondweed family (Potamogetonaceae) – Potamogeton and Stuckenia genera.

SPECIES: #1 curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.). #2 common, broadleaf, or floating pondweed (Potamogeton natans L.). #3 sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner = Potamogeton pectinatus L.).

TO UTILIZE AS FOOD: The leaves of curlyleaf pondweed (P. crispus) are reported to be edible. The other two species have edible roots.

NOTES: Pondweeds are poorly established in the Southwest due to the lack of suitable habitats. As a result, none of the species were found in quantities sufficient enough to merit documentation in this reference.

IDENTIFICATION: About 35 species of the Potamogeton genus are found in the United States, of which about 10 occur sparingly in the Southwest.

Description of pondweeds (the Potamogeton genus): FORM aquatic plants from bulbs or rhizomes; LEAVES simple; alternate to nearly opposite; stipules membranous and sometimes forming sheaths around the stems; blades all similar or of two forms, linear to ovate; lower leaves usually submersed; upper leaves often broader and floating; margins smooth or wavy; surfaces hairless; FLOWERS regular, perfect, ovary superior, sessile, and arranged in spikes; sepals 0, but the stamen appendages appearing like sepals; petals 0; pistils 4; stamens 4; FRUITS drupes; HABITAT ponds and shallow lakes; throughout most of the United States; blooming in summer.

REFERENCES: #1 curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus): leaves Couplan (p. 459). #2 common pondweed (Potamogeton natans): tubers Couplan (p. 459). #3 sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L. = Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner): tubers Couplan (p. 459).