Drawing

Potamogeton illinoensis
Illinois pondweed

Illinois pondweed is a common submersed plant. Illinois pondweed grows equally well in swift-flowing rivers or quiet lake margins.

Illinois pondweed has two primary leaf shapes: the floating leaves are more-or-less elliptic in shape, and are much longer than they are wide; typically to eight inches long. The leaves are on long leaf stems or "petioles". The submersed leaves are about the same size, but are more lance-shaped. Submersed leaves have pointed tips and pointed bases. Illinois pondweed's greenish flowers are on spikes that are one to three inches long.

Other Pondweeds

There are about 80 species of pondweeds in the world. They occur in a variety of aquatic habitats. Some pondweeds are totally submersed, others have floating leaves. Pondweeds may be relatively large plants, such as Potamogeton illinoensis, and some are small, such as Potamogeton diversifolius. Some have relatively large leaves, such as Potamogeton nodosus, and others have very narrow leaves, such as Potamogeton pusillus and Potamogeton pectinatus. Pondweeds are very important as wildlife food.

Drawing
Potamogeton diversifolius
Variable-leaved pondweed

Potamogeton pectinatus
Sago pondweed

Potamogeton perfoliatus

Potamogeton nodosus

Potamogeton pusillus

Potamogeton pulcher