Potamogeton alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Pondweed or Red Pondweed, is a perennial aquatic herb native to cool, clear freshwater habitats such as oligotrophic lakes, slow-moving rivers, and ponds across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, Greenland, Canada, and the northern United States. It typically anchors in mud substrates via creeping rhizomes and produces cylindrical unbranched stems that can reach up to 9 feet long. Alpine Pondweed is adapted to neutral to mildly acidic waters and prefers deep fine substrates like sand, silt, or peat. It is an indicator of high-quality water environments and plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat and food for aquatic wildlife.

Alpine Pondweed is valued for its ecological role and is used in the restoration of aquatic habitats. It is not commonly used in ornamental water gardening due to its preference for specific water conditions and substrates. In cultivation, it requires clean, well-oxygenated water and can be sensitive to changes in water quality, such as eutrophication, which can lead to its decline in some regions. While it is not prone to diseases, maintaining the appropriate water quality is essential for its survival.CC BY-SA 4.0