Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin

SAGO PONDWEED

(Potamogeton pectinatus L.)

PONDWEED FAMILY (Potamogetonaceae)

IND. STATUS: OBL

FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: An aquatic, perennial herb. This pondweed has a bushy appearance because of its much-branched stems and numerous thread-like leaves spreading in a fan-like fashion. The leaves are all submerged, and very narrow (0.2- 1(1.7) mm. wide), tapering to sharply pointed tips. Fruits are (2.5)3-4.5 mm. long, not including the tiny beak. In flower from June to September.

ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Sago pondweed is found in marshes, lakes and streams usually at depths to 5 feet, rarely to 10 feet, especially in calcareous, mixosaline and saline waters.

The pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) in general are among the most important of all aquatic plants for wildlife food, and sago pondweed may be the most important because of its abundant production of fruit and tubers. The entire plant is relished as food by waterfowl. It also provides good fish habitat.

SOURCE: Martin et al. (1951); and Voss (1972).

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