Opposite-leaved Pondweed
EN

Opposite-leaved Pondweed

Groenlandia densa

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groenlandia

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Opposite-leaved Pondweed faces severe decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which increases nutrient levels and causes eutrophication in its freshwater habitats. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water extraction has eliminated many historical populations across Europe. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering water temperature and flow regimes in the clear, calcareous waters this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This aquatic plant inhabits clear, calcareous freshwater environments including slow-flowing rivers, canals, ditches, and shallow lakes with alkaline conditions. It typically grows submerged in waters 0.5-3 meters deep, preferring areas with stable water levels and moderate nutrient concentrations.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Potamogetonaceae

Fries' PondweedCR

Fries' Pondweed

Potamogeton friesii

Unknown
Potamogeton angustifoliusCR

Potamogeton angustifolius

Unknown
Horned PoolmatVU

Horned Poolmat

Zannichellia palustris

Unknown
Reddish PondweedCR

Reddish Pondweed

Potamogeton alpinus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Opposite-leaved Pondweed classified as Endangered?
Opposite-leaved Pondweed is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Opposite-leaved Pondweed faces severe decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which increases nutrient levels and causes eutrophication in its freshwater habitats. Habitat destruction through wetland drainage and water extraction has eliminated many historical populations across Europe. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering water temperature and flow regimes in the clear, calcareous waters this species requires.
Where does Opposite-leaved Pondweed live?
Opposite-leaved Pondweed occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Opposite-leaved Pondweed?
The main threats to Opposite-leaved Pondweed are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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