Family: Potamogetonaceae
Author: Tuck.
Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts, ser. 2, 6: 225 (1848)
Year: 1848
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Potamogeton
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to U.S.A., Mexico (Michoacán)
Description
Largeleaf pondweed, scientifically known as Potamogeton amplifolius, is an intriguing aquatic plant widely distributed across North America, spanning from Canada to the United States and even as far south as Michoacán in Mexico. This species was carefully documented in the year 1848 in the American Journal of Science and Arts, reflecting its longstanding significance within the botanical community.
Belonging to the family Potamogetonaceae, largeleaf pondweed is readily identified by its broad, lush green leaves, which play a crucial role in its aquatic habitat. These extensive leaves provide ample surface area for photosynthesis and contribute significantly to the pondweed’s ability to thrive in a variety of environments, from tranquil ponds to more dynamic freshwater systems.
The presence of Potamogeton amplifolius is not merely aesthetic; it is vital to the aquatic ecosystems. It offers shelter and breeding grounds for an array of aquatic organisms, including small fish and invertebrates. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in maintaining water quality by stabilizing sediment and reducing turbidity, thereby promoting a balanced ecosystem.
This plant’s widespread distribution highlights its adaptability and importance in diverse ecological contexts. Whether in the cooler climates of Canada or in the more temperate regions of the United States and Mexico, largeleaf pondweed remains a persistent and beneficial component of aquatic environments.
In summary, Potamogeton amplifolius serves as an essential species within the Potamogetonaceae family, offering considerable ecological benefits and displaying remarkable adaptability across a broad geographical range.
Common Names
Eng: large-leaf pondweed, largeleaf pondweed, large-leaved pondweed, broad-leaved pondweed
Fra: potamot à grandes feuilles, potamot à feuilles larges, potamot à grande feuille, potamot à larges feuilles
En: Largeleaf pondweed, Large-leaved pondweed, Large-Leaf Pondweed, Broad-leaved pondweed
Fr: Potamot à grandes feuilles, Potamot à feuilles larges, Potamot à grande feuille, Potamot à larges feuilles
De: Breitblättriges Laichkraut
Synonyms
- Potamogeton amplifolius f. amphibius (A.Benn.)
- Potamogeton amplifolius f. homophyllus (Hagstr.)
- Potamogeton amplifolius var. ovalifolius (Morong)
- Spirillus amplifolius ((Tuck.) Nieuwl.)
- Potamogeton subobtusus (Hagstr.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (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)
© 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/5301159)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:603120-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potamogeton amplifolius Tuck.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.5
