Potamogetonaceae: Pondweed Family
Crisp-leaved Pondweed – Potamogeton crispus
Blooms:
July–Sept
Plant Height:
Stems < 90 cm
Flower Size:
Medium
Origin:
Eurasia
Invasive?
Yes – moderate
Habitat:
Shallow water, ponds
Notes:
This aquatic plant is not common in Monterey County. It would not be listed here, except that can be highly invasive. The leaves are distinctive, 5–8 mm wide, oblong, thick and more or less wavy, with clear veins and rounded tips.
Long-leaved Pondweed – Potamogeton nodosus
Blooms:
May–Aug
Plant Height:
Stems < 300 cm
Flower Size:
Medium
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Shallow water, lakes, ponds & streams
Notes:
This has leaves of 2 kinds, which are slightly different. The floating leaves are 5–10 cm long, up to 5 cm wide, elliptic-lanceolate in shape, with parallel veins (typical of monocots). Flowers are in a small, decumbent to erect spike.