Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) Tubers and Rhizomes on Seedskadee NWR (23130060859)

Description:

Summary[edit] Description: Previously known as Potamogeton pectinatus and Stuckenia pectinatus, the currently accepted Scientific name is Stuckenia pectinata. It is widely distrubuted across North America and is one of the most important submerged aquatic plants for fish and wildlife. Waterfowl extensively use and rely on sago pondweed as a food source. The whole plant can be consumed, and parts are utilized by diving and dabbling ducks, many types of geese, swans, coots and other waterbids. Muskrats and other aquatic mammals also extensively utilize it. Large numbers of aquatic invertebrates forage and live in its extensive leaves and stems. During the fall and winter, above ground parts die back, but the rhizomes and tubers remain in the soil. Trumpeter swans and other waterfowl that winter on Seedskadee NWR extensively search for and consume these starchy tubers. They can be seen using thier feet to search for and excavate them, tipping up in the shallow water to feed on them. Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS. Date: 14 October 2015, 11:01. Source: Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) Tubers and Rhizomes on Seedskadee NWR. Author: USFWS Mountain-Prairie. Camera location42° 01′ 31.57″ N, 110° 03′ 53.3″ W View all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap 42.025437; -110.064805.