Potamogeton natans aka Floating Leaf Pondweed

Potamogeton natans is a water plant. It belongs to the Potamogetonaceae family. People call it broad-leaved pondweed, batterdock, and tenchweed. It is native to temperate and subtropical parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Its range takes in parts of Asia and North America. Britain and Ireland also lie within its native range. Kew classes it as a plant of temperate climates.

This perennial lives for more than two years. It grows fast and reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. It lives in lakes, ponds, and ditches. It often grows where much dead plant matter lines the bottom. Most sites have water under 3.3 feet [1 metre] deep. Rhizomes, or creeping stems, grow young branches that people can eat. The supplied facts give no clear account of leaves or fruit.

Flowers appear from May to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind moves pollen from flower to flower. The plant crosses freely with others in its genus. Most of these crosses cannot breed. This matters when you grow new plants from seed. You can also split plants in spring to grow more. Cuttings from upright shoots can root in the growing season.

Grow this pond plant in full sun, not shade. A growing mix based on loam suits it best. It can also grow in sand or clay. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. The stated range spans very acid to very alkaline soils. It needs to grow in water, not just damp ground. The supplied facts give no hardiness zone or winter heat limit.

In ponds, it can help add oxygen to the water. Fish use its growth as a place to spawn. Its fast growth means you must keep a close check. Check its spread often so it does not take over. Bear this need for control in mind when choosing a pond site. The evidence names no pests or diseases for this species. It gives no more facts on how to control them.

Plants For A Future lists roots as food, raw or cooked. It says they contain starch and taste like nuts. It also notes food use of young rhizome branches. The source lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. It records use as medicine for fever and as a resolvent. A resolvent aims to help reduce swelling. These records do not prove that such treatments work.