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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



Potamogeton wrightii
Potamogeton wrightii
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Autumn Bragg, 2022 © Copyright Info
Potamogeton wrightii Morong 1886
Synonyms and Other Names: Potamogeton hindostanicus, P. intortusifolius, P. japonicus, P. jeholensis, P. malaianus var. latifolius, P. miyakozimensis, P. mucronatus, P. tretocarpus
Identification: According to Wu and Raven (2010):

Habit: Perennial, submerged.

Stems/Roots: Slender, simple stems and roots, terete (rounded) and sparsely branched.

Leaves: Conspicuous stipules at leaf axils 2.5-5 cm; petioles (leaf stalks) up to 14 cm on submerged leaves; leaf blades oblong to lanceolate, 8-20 cm in length with conspicuous midvein and rounded base; leave margins undulate and minutely denticulate (toothed); leaf apices mucronate (pointed). Floating leaves usually absent. Leaves at reproductive nodes branch oppositely (Tippery and Warman 2024).

Flowers: Arranged in emergent spikes of oppositely arranged flowers; peduncles (inflorescence stalks) 4-7 cm; 4-carpeled ovaries.

Fruits/Seeds: Fruit obovoid-shaped 2-3 mm.

Look-alikes: Potamogeton crispus lacks the stalked leaves (petioles), has a more rounded leaf apex, and has much shorter leaf blades than P. wrightii (Tippery and Warman 2024). Submerged leaves of Potamogeton illinoensis and P. nodosus also share traits with P. wrightii but lack the mucronate leaf apices.
Native Range: Asia (Bangladesh, Borneo, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, India, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Manchuria, Marianas, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines, Qinghai, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Xinjiang) (Wu and Raven 2010).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Discovered in 2021 in Alum Creek Lake, Delaware County, Ohio and likely survived multiple winters prior to discovery.

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Potamogeton wrightii are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
OH202120241Upper Scioto

Table last updated 4/26/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology:

Life history: Flowers and fruits June to October (Wu and Raven 2010).

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, channels, and ponds (Wu and Raven 2010).
Means of Introduction: Aquarium release is likely (Tippery and Warman 2024)
Status: Established in current locations in Ohio (Tippery and Warman 2024)
Remarks: No evidence of hybridization was noted (Tippery and Warman 2024).
References: (click for full references)

Tippery, N.P., and M.J. Warman. 2024. Potamogeton wrightii (Potamogetonaceae) naturalized in Ohio, U.S.A. Journal of Botanical Research Institute of Texas 18(1):225-232. https://doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v18.i1.1351.

Wu, Z. & Raven, P.H. (eds.) (2010). Flora of China 23: 1-515. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250095702

Author: Pfingsten, I.
Revision Date: 11/1/2024
Peer Review Date: 11/1/2024

Peer Reviewed By: Warman, M. (Cleveland Metroparks)

Citation Information:
Pfingsten, I., 2025, Potamogeton wrightii Morong 1886: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=3890, Revision Date: 11/1/2024, Peer Review Date: 11/1/2024, Access Date: 4/26/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

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The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [4/26/2025].

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