Fennel-Leaved Pondweed
Potamogeton pectinatus

Family: Potamogetonaceae

What it is like

Potamogeton pectinatus is a PERENNIAL at a fast rate. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Water. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Ponds, rivers, canals, ditches etc, especially in base-rich waters in lowland areas, avoiding acid conditions and shade.

An almost cosmopolitan plant, found in most areas of the world including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves and stems. No more details are given. Root - raw. It tastes like nuts. The outer rind should be removed.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of a feverish liver.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

A submerged aquatic plant that can be used as an oxygenator of ponds. It is best given a loam based medium in full sun. A polymorphic species. A fast growing plant in need of constant checking to make sure it does not overrun the pond. It provides a very good food source for ducks and other water fowl. Plants do not flower every year. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, the resulting progeny is usually sterile.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a pot that is standing in its own depth of water in a greenhouse as soon as the seed is ripe if this is possible. Stored seed is likely to have a short viability. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and increase the depth of water around the pot until the plants are covered by a few centimetres of water. Grow the plants on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter, increasing the depth of water as the plants grow larger. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Cuttings of erect shoots in the growing season.

Best place to grow: Pond;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. flabellatus. P. interuptus. Kit.