Potamogeton pectinatus

Sago pondweed

Native to Florida

Species Overview

Potamogeton pectinatus is occasionally found growing in the fresh or brackish water of ponds, lakes and streams from the central and southern peninsula west to the central panhandle of Florida. It blooms from spring to fall (Wunderlin, 2003). The grass-like sago pondweed is a submersed plant that grows from a creeping rhizome. Except for the polar regions and Pacific islands, this species of pondweed occurs worldwide. Sago pondweed grows in fresh, brackish, and saline waters throughout the state. It is found in stagnant ponds, spring-fed rivers, and slow-flowing marshes. 

Species Characteristics

The multiple long stems of sago pondweed often form masses at the water surface. Underwater stands may look like grassy meadows. The stems are slender and flexible. They are only about an eighth of an inch thick and are usually several feet long. The stems have many branches, and may be green, brown, or reddish. Sago pondweed leaves are very narrow; not much wider than the slender stems. The leaves are usually several inches long. They taper to narrow points. The flowers of sago pondweed are on spikes. The flowers are very tiny and greenish, and grow in several whorls along the flower spike. Sago pondweed is very slender and has many branches. The leaves are very narrow, several inches long and have pointed tips. The tiny flowers are greenish and on spikes.

Impacts