Family: Potamogetonaceae

pondweed family

Species in the Potamogetonaceae are aquatic herbs with leaves that are arranged alternately or opposite each other along the stem; they also have stipules. The leaves in this family may be flaccid and submersed or thicker and floating; a given species may have one or both types of leaves. The flowers of most species are bisexual have four tepal-like appendages, four stamens, and four carpels. One species has unisexual flowers with no tepals and either one stamen or one ovary comprised of 2 carpels and tipped by an unsual funnel-shaped stigma. The fruit of this family matures as achene-like drupe. This family includes the species formerly treated in a separate family: Zannichelliaceae.

This Family’s Genera in New England:

• Potamogeton
• Stuckenia
• Zannichellia

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key