Pondweed: The Aquatic Plant That’s Both Helper and Headache
If you’ve ever peered into a pond or slow-moving stream and noticed long, ribbon-like plants swaying beneath the surface, you’ve likely encountered pondweed (Potamogeton). This perennial aquatic plant is one of nature’s underwater workhorses, but it’s also a species that requires careful consideration before welcoming it into your water garden.
What Exactly is Pondweed?
Pondweed is a fascinating aquatic forb – essentially a non-woody plant that lives its entire life in water. Unlike your typical garden perennial, this plant has adapted to life completely submerged, with some species occasionally sending floating leaves to the water’s surface. It’s the underwater equivalent of grass in many aquatic ecosystems, forming dense carpets that provide structure to pond and lake bottoms.
Where Does Pondweed Call Home?
This widespread plant has made itself at home across an impressive range of North America. You’ll find native populations in Alaska, Greenland, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its distribution spans virtually the entire continent, growing in states from Alabama to Wyoming, and throughout most Canadian provinces and territories.
The Wildlife Connection
Here’s where pondweed truly shines as an ecological player. While it might not win any beauty contests above water, it’s a crucial food source for waterfowl, providing 10-25% of their diet. Large mammals and small mammals also nibble on it occasionally, though it makes up only 2-5% of their food intake. The plant also offers sparse cover for various wildlife species, creating underwater hideouts in aquatic ecosystems.
A Word of Caution: The Invasive Side
Before you start dreaming of adding pondweed to your water feature, there’s an important caveat to consider. In Missouri, pondweed has earned a Nuisance status from the Department of Conservation, indicating it can become problematic when it grows too aggressively. This classification suggests that while native to many areas, certain species or situations can lead to overgrowth that disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
Should You Plant Pondweed?
Given its invasive potential, we recommend extreme caution when considering pondweed for your water garden. If you’re dealing with an existing population, here are some key points to consider:
- Consult with local extension services or conservation departments before planting
- Consider native aquatic alternatives that provide similar wildlife benefits without invasive risks
- If already present in your water body, monitor growth carefully
- Never transport pondweed from one water body to another
Growing Conditions and Care
If pondweed is already established in your water feature or you’re managing an existing population, understanding its preferences can help with control:
- Requires permanent submersion in freshwater
- Thrives in various water depths
- Tolerates a wide range of water conditions
- Spreads through underground rhizomes and seeds
- Generally cold-hardy across northern climates
Better Alternatives for Your Water Garden
Instead of risking invasive pondweed, consider these native aquatic alternatives that provide similar ecological benefits:
- Native water lilies for surface coverage
- Wild celery (Vallisneria americana) for submerged vegetation
- Arrowhead (Sagittaria species) for emergent plant structure
- Native sedges for shoreline plantings
The Bottom Line
Pondweed plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems, supporting waterfowl and other wildlife with food and shelter. However, its invasive potential makes it a risky choice for intentional planting. If you’re passionate about creating wildlife-friendly water features, focus on well-behaved native aquatic plants that won’t become tomorrow’s management headache. Remember, the best water garden is one that supports local wildlife while maintaining ecological balance – and that sometimes means saying no to plants that might seem like obvious choices.
