Potamogeton pectinatus
Sago Pondweed
General
An aquatic perennial plant found in freshwater habitats across North America and beyond. It grows submerged or floating in shallow waters, forming dense colonies that provide habitat for aquatic life and contribute to the ecological balance of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
Plant Description
Features long, slender stems with branching, thread-like leaves that are arranged alternately. Its leaves are translucent and delicate, giving the plant a wispy and feathery appearance underwater. Sago pondweed's inconspicuous flowers are small and greenish, complementing its submerged form in aquatic environments.
Height (ft)
1-3'
Soil moisture
Submerged or floating in freshwater
Soil types
Obtains nutrients from water
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Late spring to early summer
Drought tolerance
Intolerant
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Specific distribution includes states from the eastern seaboard westward to the Great Plains, and into parts of the western United States.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the USDA NRCS Kansas Plant Materials Center, Manhattan, Kansas, this species can be useful in suppressing phytoplankton blooms due to the plant's ability to intake phosphorus from the water. It also can be used to monitor heavy metal pollution in water bodies.