Richardson’s Pondweed
Category
Native Macrophyte
Common Name
Richardson’s Pondweed
Species Name
Potamogeton richardsonii
Distribution / Status (Lake Tahoe)
Common native species in Tahoe nearshore
Diagnostic Features
Flat, broad, flexible leaves with smooth edges; lacks turions
Commonly Confused Species
Curlyleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Growth Form
Submersed perennial macrophyte
Leaf Shape
Broadly lanceolate to oblong; flat and flexible
Leaf Arrangement
Alternate along stem
Leaf Size
5–15 cm long × 0.5–2 cm wide
Leaf Margin
Smooth or slightly undulate
Leaf Apex & Base
Rounded to slightly acute apex; base tapering; broadly clasped around the stem
Venation Pattern
Prominent midrib with 13–25 fine parallel veins
Stem Structure
Flattened, flexible, often branching
Plant Height
15–150 cm
Roots / Rhizomes
Creeping rhizomes anchoring in sediment
Habitat Type
Clear, cool lakes and slow-moving rivers
Depth Range
0.5–4 m
Substrate Preference
Sand, silt, or gravel
Light Preference
Requires moderate to high light
Ecological Role / Impact
Provides habitat and oxygenation; native forage plant
Flowers (Reproductive Structures)
Small, inconspicuous flowers on dense cylindrical spikes near surface (4 cm); 6–12 whorls of flowers
Reproductive Strategy
Sexual and limited vegetative spread via rhizomes
Buoyancy / Adaptations
None specialized; flexible leaves
Color
Bright green
Texture
Smooth and supple
Growth Rate / Seasonality
Peaks in mid- to late summer
References
Eaton, P. M. (n.d.). Richardson’s pondweed (Potamogeton richardsonii). Minnesota Wildflowers. Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/aquatic/richardsons-pondweed
Knoke, D., & Giblin, D. (n.d.). Potamogeton richardsonii: clasping-leaved pondweed, Richardson’s pondweed. Burke Herbarium Image Collection, University of Washington.
Native Plant Trust. (n.d.). Potamogeton richardsonii — Richardson’s pondweed. Native Plant Trust Go Botany. Retrieved from https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/potamogeton/richardsonii/
Supporting Partners
The Martis Fund, a collaborative project of Martis Camp landowners, DMB/Highlands Group (the developers of Martis Camp), Mountain Area Preservation (MAP), and Sierra Watch. (See martisfund.org for more information)
The Community Impact Fund, Ashley Quinn Fund & the Foresight Fund held at the Tahoe Community Foundation
Additional thanks to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for providing specimens for studio filming
