How much sun does Longleaf Pondweed need?

Longleaf Pondweed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Longleaf Pondweed bloom?

Longleaf Pondweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Longleaf Pondweed native?

Longleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 43 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Longleaf Pondweed toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Longleaf Pondweed as toxic to livestock.

Is Longleaf Pondweed HOA-friendly?

Longleaf Pondweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Longleaf Pondweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Potamogeton nodosus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Longleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus) is a perennial forb native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 43 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Toxicity unknown

Longleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Longleaf Pondweed as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–60" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 43 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Longleaf pondweed is an aquatic perennial that grows submerged or floating in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It produces long, narrow leaves and small flowering spikes that emerge above the water surface during summer months. This plant requires permanent water and is not suitable for typical garden beds.

Growing Longleaf Pondweed

Grow Longleaf Pondweed in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Longleaf Pondweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Requires permanent water feature
Not suitable for standard landscaping
May be considered pond maintenance issue

Wildlife value

Provides habitat and food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. The seeds are eaten by ducks and other water birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Longleaf Pondweed need?: Longleaf Pondweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Longleaf Pondweed bloom?: Longleaf Pondweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Longleaf Pondweed native?: Longleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 43 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Longleaf Pondweed toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Longleaf Pondweed as toxic to livestock.
Is Longleaf Pondweed HOA-friendly?: Longleaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Longleaf Pondweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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