Cape pondweed
Aponogeton distachyos
Washington State Classification
Monitor List
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
This aquatic flowering plant has leaves that sit on the water surface and flowers that emerge above the leaves. They are the most green and flowering during the fall, in mild winters, and in spring, going dormant in warm summer months.
Leaves
Lance to narrow oval shaped leaves, 2-10 in long and 0.5-3 in wide, deep green, with 7-9 parallel veins, and sit on top of the water.
Flowers
Erect spikes of white flowers grow in "Y" shapes up, growing up from the water surface. Each flower has 1 oval white petal, and they grow in pairs, alternately up each arm of the Y stems. At the base of each petal are several dark stamens. Flowering happens throughout mild winters.
Impact
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact its sponsor Wesley Glisson at wes.glisson@ecy.wa.gov with the Department of Ecology to report locations or for more information.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Calm ponds, lakes, ditches, and vernal pools. Prefers shallow water.
Spread Mechanisms
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