American pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus, Med. Repos., ser. 2, 5: 354 (1808))

Family: Potamogetonaceae

Author: Raf.

Bibliography: Med. Repos., ser. 2, 5: 354 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potamogeton

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A., Great Britain

Description

American pondweed, known scientifically as Potamogeton epihydrus, is a fascinating aquatic plant that holds a special place in freshwater ecosystems. Initially documented in 1808, this species was described by Raf., who conducted thorough research on its characteristics and distribution. This invaluable botanical work was published in the second series of the Medical Repository, volume 5, on page 354.

Belonging to the Potamogetonaceae family, American pondweed thrives in freshwater environments ranging from Canada across to the United States and even reaching the waters of Great Britain. Its ability to adapt to these diverse geographical areas is a testament to its resilience and ecological versatility.

This perennial plant features elongated, submerged leaves that are ribbon-like and often accompanied by floating leaves that appear leathery and elliptical. This unique dual-leaf form allows Potamogeton epihydrus to maximize photosynthesis both below and above the water surface. The floating leaves contain numerous air spaces, demonstrating an ingenious adaptation that keeps them buoyant and allows for efficient gas exchange.

American pondweed plays a crucial role in its habitat, providing food and shelter for a variety of aquatic organisms. The leaves offer a substrate for invertebrates and algae, while the dense foliage creates a haven for fish to hide from predators. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to water quality by stabilizing sediments and promoting nutrient cycling.

Considering its importance to aquatic environments, Potamogeton epihydrus is an essential species for the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts to protect and study this plant continue to be important, ensuring that its benefits are sustained for future generations.

Common Names

Eng: american pondweed, ribbonleaf pondweed, ribbon-leaved pondweed, nuttall’s pondweed
Fra: potamot émergé, potamot flottant
Cym: dyfrllys america
Gla: lìobhag aimeireaganach
En: American pondweed, Ribbonleaf pondweed, Nuttall pondweed, Ribbon-leaf Pondweed, Ribbon-leaved pondweed, Nuttall’s pondweed
Fr: Potamot émergé, Potamot flottant
Gd: Lìobhag Aimeireaganach
Cy: Dyfrllys America

Synonyms

• Potamogeton pensylvanicus (Willd. ex Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton nuttallii var. cayugensis (Wiegand)
• Potamogeton epihydrus subsp. nuttallii ((Cham. & Schltdl.) Calder & Roy L.Taylor)
• Potamogeton claytonii (Tuck.)
• Potamogeton epihydrus var. nuttallii ((Cham. & Schltdl.) Fernald)
• Potamogeton epihydrus var. ramosus (House)
• Potamogeton nuttallii var. ramosus (Peck)
• Potamogeton epihydrus var. typicus (Fernald)
• Potamogeton cayugensis ((Wiegand) Hagstr.)
• Potamogeton pumilus (Wolfg.)
• Potamogeton epihydrus var. cayugensis (A.Benn.)
• Potamogeton nuttallii (Cham. & Schltdl.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alaska (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Aug 16, 2013 by EOL − Al Keuter (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2013 by EOL − Al Keuter (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 16, 2013 by EOL − Al Keuter (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5301148)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30070809-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potamogeton epihydrus Raf.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.4