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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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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