OVERVIEW: Spotted pondweed is an aquatic perennial herb that grows in standing water.  The stems of this species are up to 20 inches (5 dm) long and have dark purple spots.  The leaves are of two types, floating and submersed.  The floating leaves are oval to elliptic, rounded, or heart-shaped at the base, and have long, purple-spotted stalks.  The submersed leaves are broadly lance-shaped, up to 1⅛ inches (3 cm) wide, and short-stalked or stalkless.  The flowers are produced in dense spikes that are ¾ to 1½ inches (2-4 cm) long.  Individual flowers are inconspicuous and have 4 small, greenish petals or sepals.  Spikes are held above the water and can be seen June through August.

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Invertebrates | Birds & Mammals | Fish, Reptiles & Amphibians | Plants