Potamogeton polygonifolius can be distinguished from the commonest UK pondweed species, potamogeton natans, by its leaf veins, which are dark and opaque rather than light brown and translucent.
Common name:
Bog pondweed
Family:
Scientific name:
Potamogeton polygonifolius
Main flower color:
Range:
Most of the British Isles; least common in southeast England
Height:
A few cm
Habitat:
Bogs and ponds on heaths and moors; acidic soils
Flowers:
Tiny, with four petal-like segments and four stamens, arranged in a short, dense, vertical spike
Leaves:
Alternate, shiny, ovate, leathery, crossed by darker, parallel veins. Up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. Usually has both floating (upper) leaves and submerged (lower) leaves, these latter similar in size but more lanceolate in shape, and translucent
Season:
May to October
Rarity:
★★★★★
