Broad-Leaved Pondweed, Floating pondweed

Potamogeton natans

Physical Characteristics

Potamogeton natans is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

Much of the northern hemisphere, including Britain.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Stem Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[61, 85, 103]. A nutty flavour[74]. Starchy[105, 115]. Young branches that are produced from the rhizome[103]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Resolvent The plant is febrifuge and resolvent[218].

Known Hazards

None known