Potamogeton diversifolius, commonly known as waterthread pondweed or diverse-leaved pondweed, is a perennial herb native to a variety of freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams across most of the United States, southwestern Canada, and northern Mexico. It typically has narrow, compressed stems that can reach up to 14 inches in length, with thin, pointed linear leaves that are adapted to its aquatic environment. The inflorescence consists of a small spike of flowers that emerge above the water surface, while submersed sections of the plant may produce smaller, spherical inflorescences. Flowering occurs in the summer, and although the flowers are not particularly showy, they are an important part of the plant’s reproductive cycle.

Waterthread pondweed is valued for its role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for aquatic wildlife. It can also be used in water gardens and naturalized pond settings, where it contributes to water quality by oxygenating the water and absorbing nutrients. This plant prefers full sun to part shade conditions and thrives in wet, freshwater environments. It is relatively low maintenance, but care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller water bodies to prevent it from becoming too dominant.CC BY-SA 4.0