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Lesser Pondweed

Potamogeton pusillus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Lesser Pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus)
Photo: Pieters, A. J. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–24" H

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Lesser pondweed is a submerged aquatic plant that grows entirely underwater in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It produces small floating flower spikes above the water surface during summer months. This plant requires permanent standing water to survive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lesser 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 water body
  • Not suitable for typical residential landscaping
  • Only appropriate for pond or water garden features

Wildlife value

Provides important habitat and food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. The submerged foliage offers shelter for small fish and amphibians.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Lesser Pondweed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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