PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Snail-seed Pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus)

pota_bicu_003.jpg

 

 

 

 

10931.jpg

Photo by Wisconsin Herbarium

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Snail-seed Pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in acidic waters. Blooming occurs from June through September, fruiting early-August through September. The optimal identification period for this species is late-July through September.

Potamogeton diversifolius, Potamogeton diversifolius var. trichophyllus

 
 
 

Snail-seed pondweed is a submergent aquatic forb, 10-25cm tall, with a stalkless inflorescence and dimorphic spikes dimorphic. Submerged spikes are 1.5-7mm and globular to ellipsoid, emergent spikes ellipsoid to cylindric and 3-14mm. Its fruits are greenish brown achenes, papillate, and 1-2mm. The underwater leaves are sessile and 1.5-11cm, floating leaves have petioles, up to 2cm long, and are opposite.

It is distinguished from P diversifolius by its narrower leaves.

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs from June through October, fruiting early-August through September.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-July through late-September.

Associated species include Calamagrostis canadensis, Utricularia purpurea, and Pontederia cordata.

Snail-seed pondweed prefers sandy-bottomed ponds, lakes, and streams with acidic waters.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.