Potamogeton natans, commonly known as Broad-leaved Pondweed, is a perennial aquatic herb native to a wide range of freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and rivers across the Holarctic Kingdom. It is characterized by its distinct dimorphic leaves: the floating leaves are ovate, glossy, and leathery, typically 2-6 inches long, while the submerged leaves are long, narrow, and grass-like. This species can have cylindrical stems that reach up to 7 feet in length. Broad-leaved Pondweed blooms from May to September, producing small, greenish flowers on dense, cylindrical spikes that are not particularly showy but are important for pollination.

Broad-leaved Pondweed is valued for its role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, including waterfowl and fish. It is also used in water gardens and for naturalizing in constructed ponds. In cultivation, it requires an aquatic environment and can grow in a variety of water conditions, from shallow to deep, with slow-moving to stagnant water. It prefers full sun to part shade and can be a useful plant for stabilizing sediment and improving water quality. However, it can become invasive in some conditions, spreading rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species.CC BY-SA 4.0