Scott - From the pictures and it is hard to get a positive ID of similar looking species from pictures, I think it is probably bigleaf pondweed (Potamogeton amphifolius). If it is bigleaf it should produce a few floating leaves a little later in the year when it flowers. I don't think it is 'white stem' (P. praelongus) nor 'clasping -leaved pondweed'(P richardsonii) because your plant has lower leaves with obvious petioles attaching to the stem. White stem and clasping pondweeds do not have petioles, and the base of the leaves wrap onto the stem. Also Clasping-leaved pondweed grows entirely underwater with no floating leaves. Look closer at the leaf bases of older plants and check for leaf petioles. Another very similar pondweed is Illinois pondweed (P.illinoensis). It has similar wide leaves although with broad flat petioles - floating leaves sometimes absent. Shape of seeds will separate these species. Send me some mature seeds and I can verify the species.
I think all these similar looking plants are what northern anglers call 'cabbage' in lakes. Anyone know more about what "cabbage" in lakes is?
Last edited by Bill Cody; 06/10/10 09:13 PM.
