Horned Pondweed
Zannichellia palustris

Family: Zannichelliaceae

What it is like

Zannichellia palustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from May to July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Water. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Still or slow-flowing fresh water, or in brackish water.

A 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: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

This plant has proved to be valuable for stabilizing muddy banks and in the purification of polluted water.

Pollution: Plants used to combat pollution.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

How it is grown

A submerged water plant, it is a useful oxygenator for cool water ponds.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a pot submerged in water. The seed is likely to have a short viability if allowed to become dry. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division is easy at almost any time in the growing season.

Best place to grow: Pond;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pelta palustris. Potamogeton contortus. Zannichellia aculeata