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- For information on Wisconsin's rare plants, contact:
- Kevin Doyle
608-416-3377
Clasping-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus)
Photo © USDA-NRCS
Life history
Species overview
Clasping-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in lakes and streams with sandy or rocky substrate. Blooming occurs July to October; fruiting occurs July to October. The optimal identification period for this species is July to October.
Synonyms: Potamogeton bupleuroides, Potamogeton perfoliatus L. subsp. Bupleuroides, Potamogeton perfoliatus L. var. bupleuroides
Identification
- Distinguishing characteristics: Distinguished from P. richardsonii by often perfoliate leaves (vs. clasping), more slender stems and rounded or ovate leaves (vs. lance-ovate and with a definite pointed tip).
- Flower characteristics: Spike unbranched, cylindric, 1 to 7 cm.
- Fruit characteristics: Greenish-brown, up to 3 mm and with a short beak, shallow pits and three dorsal keels or ridges.
- Leaf characteristics: Alternate, 1 to 7 cm, round, often with a finely toothed tip and cordate bases wrapping entirely around stem (perfoliate); veins 7 to 15 with 3 to 5 prominent; stipules free, deciduous.
Phenology
- Blooming phenology: July to October
- Fruiting phenology: July to October
- Optimum time to identify: July to October
Other
- Growth form: Aquatic forb-submergent
- Vegetative reproduction:
- Life cycle: Perennial
- Comments: Associated Species: Not available for Wisconsin specimens.
State status
Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin
The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Clasping-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.
| Summary Information | |
|---|---|
| State Status | SC |
| Federal Status in Wisconsin | none |
| State Rank | S1 |
| Global Rank | G5 |
| Tracked by NHI | Y |
Habitats and landscapes
The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.
General habitat information
- Habitat description: Found in lakes and streams with sandy or rocky substrate.
- Soils: Sandy or rocky soils.
Natural communities
This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Clasping-leaf Pondweed. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).
| Natural communities | score |
|---|---|
| Large Lake--deep, soft+, seepage | 3 |
| Submergent Marsh | 3 |
Ecological landscapes
This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Clasping-leaf Pondweed. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.
Species guidance
The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.
Clasping-leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) has very few known occurrences in the state and is of the highest priority for conservation; we encourage you to consult with your District Ecologist or NHI Botanist for specific recommendations for your site.
Avoidance measures
These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.
- No avoidance measures have been developed for this species.
Management guidance
Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species
- This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.
Other resources
Links to additional Clasping-leaf Pondweed information
Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)
- Wisconsin Flora
- NatureServe Explorer
- Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
- USDA - NRCS Plants Database
- USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
- eFloras
- Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
- Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
- Orchids of Wisconsin
Photos
Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use
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Photo © USDA-NRCS.
Support for Wisconsin's rare plant information has been provided by the Division of Forestry, the Endangered Resources Fund and the Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund. To donate, visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin [exit DNR].
