Water Hawthorn
Other Common Names: Cape pondweed
(Aponogeton distachyos)
Non-Native
Water hawthorn has oblong leathery green leaves that float on the water and white flowers on a two-forked spike that emerge slightly.
Description
Water hawthorn stems are rooted to the bottom of the pond in waters six inches to two feet deep. Leaves grow three to six inches long, are oblong, and dark green in color. They float on the top of the water when the water is not frozen. These leathery leaves have about six dark green veins along the length of each, as well as prominent cross veins.
Multiple flowers grow per plant and emerge slightly from the water’s surface on a two-forked spike. 10 to 16 fleshy white petals protrude from the flower spike. Water hawthorn flowers have a sweet scent reminiscent of vanilla.
This plant grows and blooms throughout the fall, winter, and spring, blooming mainly in December. Pollinators such as bees and dragonflies often visit water hawthorn.
A great number of seeds are produced by each plant. Ripe fruit of the water hawthorn plant can float for a short time before releasing the seeds that sink to the bottom to reproduce. This strategy ensures that the plant can reproduce in many new locations.
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control water hawthorn.
Location
Water hawthorn is not typically found in the United States. It is an ornamental plant used in contained water gardens.
Propagation
seeds, rhizomes
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control water hawthorn.