CURLYLEAF PONDWEED 



Potarnogeton crispus L. 



Curlyleaf pondweed is generally observed growing in slow-running 

 streams or canals. This species has limited distribution in Western 

 irrigation canals, being reported more extensively in the Central Valley 

 of California. It is a well-marked species, deriving its specific name 

 from the crisp nature of the mature leaves and overwintering buds. 

 Stems of this plant are somewhat flattened (insert 1) and freely branch 

 on the upper portions of the plant. This plant is completely submersed 

 in growth habit, producing narrow oblong leaves with the leaf base 

 attached directly to the main stem (sessile). The leaf margins are finely 

 toothed, and upon maturity the margins become wavy, producing the 

 characteristic indicated by the common name "curlyleaf pondweed." 



The vegetative overwintering bud that is produced in the leaf axil 

 (insert 2) is unique to this species and provides a means of distinct 

 identification. This burlike winter-bud (insert 3) is commonly 

 produced in late summer. Upon maturity of the parent plant, these 

 hard winter-buds fall to the bottom mud, where they develop in the 

 subsequent growing season to produce new plants. 



