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Western Wetland Flora

Field Office Guide to Plant Species

Richardson Pondweed
Potamogeton richardsonii (Ar. Benn.) Rydb.

JPG -- Species Photo JPG -- Distribution Map

Family: Pondweed (Potamogetonaceae)
Flowering: June-August
Field Marks: This species is distinguished readily by its lanceolate leaves that are broadly rounded at the base and clasp the stem, its achenes that are never longer than 1/6 inch, and the stems that are not zigzag.
Habitat: Shallow water of lakes and streams.
Habit: Submersed perennial herb with slender rhizomes.
Stems: Submersed, branched, rather stout, up to 2 feet long, not zigzag.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, all submersed, lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, up to 4 inches long, up to 1 inch wide, pointed at the tip, broadly rounded at the base and clasping the stem, smooth; stipules 1/2-1 inch long, shredded into white fibers.
Flowers: Crowded together into spikes, each spike up to 2 inches long on stout stalks up to 6 inches long.
Sepals: 4, green, free from each other, up to 1/6 inch long.
Petals: O.
Stamens: 4.
Pistils: 4, each with a superior ovary.
Fruits: Achenes obovoid, up to 1/6 inch long, with a tiny erect beak at the tip.
Notes: The achenes are eaten by waterfowl.

Previous Species -- Small Pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus)
Return to Species List -- Group 4
Next Species -- Robbin's Pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii)

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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:25:26 EST
Menlo Park, CA [caww55]