Aponogeton distachyos
Cape-pondweed
(c) Gabriel Campbell-Martinez, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Aponogetonaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Aponogeton distachyos (Cape-pondweed) is a non-native California herb in the Aponogetonaceae family, recognized by Represents the entire Aponogetonaceae family in California - a naturalized South African aquatic with no native relatives in North America.
Cape-pondweed is a naturalized perennial found in central-western San Francisco Bay, southern Southern California Coast, and potentially other regions in ponds at elevations below 150 meters. Flowering from February to April, this aquatic plant produces white flowers in distinctive spike-like panicles with two branches emerging from the water. Growing with submerged leaves up to 100 centimeters long, it has narrow-lanceolate to elliptical blades that spread across the water's surface. Its leaves are characterized by long petioles and broad blades measuring 6 to 23 centimeters in length. The flowers develop into curved or straight fruits up to 22 millimeters long, with a small terminal beak about 5 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Represents the entire Aponogetonaceae family in California - a naturalized South African aquatic with no native relatives in North America
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ponds
Elevation: < 150 m
Outside California: native to southern Africa
Bloom period
Aponogeton distachyos blooms Feb-Apr.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aponogeton distachyos native to California?
No. Aponogeton distachyos is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Aponogeton distachyos bloom?
Aponogeton distachyos blooms Feb-Apr.
What plant family does Aponogeton distachyos belong to?
Aponogeton distachyos is in the Aponogetonaceae family, genus Aponogeton.
What habitat does Aponogeton distachyos grow in?
Aponogeton distachyos grows in Ponds.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.