Potamogeton gramineus, commonly known as various-leaved pondweed, is an aquatic perennial herb native to a wide range of freshwater habitats in the Northern Hemisphere, including slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes. It is particularly adapted to clear, oligotrophic to mesotrophic waters with a preference for neutral to alkaline pH levels. This species can grow in water up to 3 meters deep but is often found in shallower areas. It features cylindrical, heavily branching stems that can reach up to a meter long, with submerged leaves that are narrow, translucent, and grass-like. The floating leaves, when present, are oval-shaped and leathery. The inflorescence is a spike of inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom in the summer.

Various-leaved pondweed is valued for its role in aquatic ecosystems, providing oxygenation, shelter, and food for aquatic wildlife. It is used in water gardens and for naturalizing in constructed ponds. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and clean, still to slow-moving water. It is a low-maintenance plant that can spread to form dense colonies. While it hybridizes readily with other Potamogeton species, this characteristic can be beneficial for creating genetic diversity in restoration projects. Care should be taken as it can become overly abundant in favorable conditions, potentially outcompeting other aquatic plants.CC BY-SA 4.0