Family: Potamogetonaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Med. Repos., ser. 2, 5: 354 (1808)
Year: 1808
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Potamogeton
Vegetable: False
Observations: Hawaiian Is., N. & C. America, Caribbean
Description
Leafy Pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus)
Leafy pondweed, scientifically known as Potamogeton foliosus, is a notable aquatic plant that graces various water bodies with its fluid elegance. First recorded in the early 19th century, this species was classified by the esteemed botanist C.S. Rafinesque in 1808.
Belonging to the Potamogetonaceae family, leafy pondweed exhibits a delicate yet pervasive presence in aquatic ecosystems. Its distinguishable features include long, slender stems adorned with narrow, green leaves that appear to flow effortlessly with the water currents. This characteristic appearance makes it easily recognizable and a vital component of freshwater habitats.
Geographically, leafy pondweed boasts a wide distribution. It grows abundantly across the Hawaiian Islands, North and Central America, and extends its reach to the Caribbean, adapting well to diverse climatic and environmental conditions. This adaptability ensures that it contributes significantly to the ecological balance within these regions.
By offering shelter and food, leafy pondweed plays a crucial role in its habitat. Many aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates, find refuge among its leaves, making it indispensable for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, its presence assists in stabilizing sediments and enhancing water quality by filtering out pollutants.
In summary, Potamogeton foliosus, or leafy pondweed, is a vital aquatic plant with a broad geographical range and essential ecological functions. Its elegant form and resilience highlight the intricate beauty and interdependence of natural aquatic environments.
Common Names
Eng: leafy pondweed, closed-leaved pondweed
Fra: potamot feuillé, potamot feuillu
En: Leafy pondweed, Closed-leaved pondweed
Nl: Spitsbladig fonteinkruid
Fr: Potamot feuillé, Potamot feuillu
De: Blattreiches Laichkraut
Synonyms
- Potamogeton foliosus var. genuinus (Fernald)
- Spirillus foliosus ((Raf.) Lunell)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Hawaii (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Labrador (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 27, 2020 by Alyona_Kr Alyona_Kr (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 11, 2005 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5301191)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:208806-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potamogeton foliosus Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb