Potamogeton natans - L.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Potamogeton natans is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Synonyms

P. hibernicus.

Habitats

 Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root;  Stem.
Edible Uses:

Root - raw or cooked[61, 85, 103]. A nutty flavour[74]. Starchy[105, 115]. Young branches that are produced from the rhizome[103]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Febrifuge;  Resolvent.

The plant is febrifuge and resolvent[218].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

A submerged aquatic plant that can be used as an oxygenator of ponds[1]. It is best given a loam based medium in full sun[200]. Succeeds in acid or calcareous conditions. A fast growing plant in need of constant checking to make sure it does not overrun the pond[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, the resulting progeny is usually sterile[200]. Fish like to spawn amongst this plant[74].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a pot that is standing in its own depth of water in a greenhouse as soon as the seed is ripe if this is possible. Stored seed is likely to have a short viability. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and increase the depth of water around the pot until the plants are covered by a few centimetres of water. Grow the plants on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter, increasing the depth of water as the plants grow larger. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring[56]. Cuttings of erect shoots in the growing season[56].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

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