Wrack-like Pondweed
Potamogeton compressus
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potamogeton_compressus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Alismatales
Family
Potamogetonaceae
Genus
Potamogeton
Wrack-like Pondweed belongs to the family Potamogetonaceae, order Alismatales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Wrack-like Pondweed faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development has dramatically altered water chemistry in many of its remaining habitats, while drainage of wetlands for agriculture and development has eliminated numerous historical populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and alkaline waters, typically in nutrient-poor to moderately nutrient-rich aquatic environments. The species grows submerged in clear waters at depths of 0.5-3 meters, often in calcareous or brackish conditions.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Wrack-like Pondweed faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urban development has dramatically altered water chemistry in many of its remaining habitats, while drainage of wetlands for agriculture and development has eliminated numerous historical populations.
Agricultural intensification and runoff
Habitat loss and wetland drainage
Urban development and water management
Water pollution and eutrophication
Climate change affecting water levels
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Wrack-like Pondweed (Potamogeton compressus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/wrack-like-pondweed