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snailseed pondweed

Scientific Name: Potamogeton bicupulatus

Family: Potamogetonaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IN (snail-seed pondweed), MI (waterthread pondweed

       

Snailseed Pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus)

Snailseed Pondweed, scientifically known as Potamogeton bicupulatus, is a delicate aquatic plant belonging to the pondweed family.

Common Names

  • Snailseed Pondweed
  • Northern Snailseed Pondweed
  • Spiral-fruited Pondweed
  • Spiral Pondweed
  • New England Snailseed Pondweed
  • Two-cupped Pondweed
  • Common Snailseed Pondweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Potamogeton bicupulatus Fernald
  • Family: Potamogetonaceae
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Potamogeton spirillus (Northern Snailseed Pondweed)
  • Nomenclatural Reference: Mem. Am. Acad. Arts &amp Sc. xvii. 112 (1932)

Distribution and Habitat

Potamogeton bicupulatus is found in various locations, including:

  • Minnesota
  • Maine
  • New England (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI)
  • Michigan (native)

It is an aquatic plant, typically found submerged in ponds and lakes.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Snailseed Pondweed is a small, delicate aquatic herb.
  • It has submersed leaves, sometimes with floating leaves.
  • Some clusters have two different forms of flowers and leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an endangered aquatic plant in some regions.
  • It is an indicator of lake sensitivity to disturbance.

Quirky Facts

  • Potamogeton bicupulatus is featured as a plant in the game Plants vs. Zombies Online, unlocked in the City of Atlantis.
  • This species exhibits two different forms of flowers and leaves on some clusters.

Further Information

  • Endangered Resces Program: Provides identification information and photos.
  • Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program: Maine's Interactive Field Guide.
  • Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.