Potamogeton foliosus, commonly known as Leafy Pondweed, is an aquatic perennial herb that thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and ditches across nearly all of North America and extending into parts of Central America. It is particularly adapted to submersed conditions in shallow to moderately deep waters. Leafy Pondweed can grow up to 30 inches long, with thin, multibranched stems and delicate, hairlike leaves that range in color from pale green to reddish. The plant’s inconspicuous flowers are greenish and bloom in the summer, typically going unnoticed due to their submersed nature.

Leafy Pondweed is valued for its role in aquatic environments, providing oxygenation, stabilizing sediment, and offering habitat and food for aquatic wildlife. It is not commonly used in ornamental water gardens due to its unassuming appearance but is essential for ecological restoration and the creation of naturalized water features. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from still ponds to gently flowing waters. While generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive in some conditions, spreading rapidly and potentially outcompeting other aquatic plants.CC BY-SA 4.0