Fries' Pondweed
Potamogeton friesii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Fries' Pondweed (Potamogeton friesii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CT, IA, ID, IL and 19 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Fries' pondweed is an aquatic plant that grows completely submerged in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It forms dense underwater colonies with narrow, ribbon-like leaves and produces small flower spikes that may emerge above the water surface during summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fries' Pondweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Requires permanent standing water or pond feature
- Not suitable for traditional landscaping
- Only appropriate for water gardens or natural ponds
Wildlife value
This aquatic plant provides important habitat and food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. It serves as nursery habitat for young fish and supports various water birds that feed on its seeds and foliage.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fries' Pondweed need?
- Fries' Pondweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Fries' Pondweed native?
- Fries' Pondweed (Potamogeton friesii) is native to CT, IA, ID, IL and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Fries' Pondweed HOA-friendly?
- Fries' Pondweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Fries' Pondweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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