Special Concern
Description
Hill’s Pondweed is a submersed aquatic plant with stems up,to one metre long. Its narrowly linear sharp-pointed or bristle-tipped leaves are two to six centimetres long with three to five veins. Flower spikes are dense clusters, up to seven millimetres long, with flowers forming one or two whorls.
Action we are taking:
Range
Hill’s Pondweed grows in northeastern United States and Ontario, ranging from Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario south to south-central Pennsylvania and western Viriginia, and east to Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In Ontario, it has been recorded at 26 sites in the Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island, Wellington County and Peel Region. Only about 14 of these are presumed to still support Hill’s Pondweed.
Habitat
Hill’s Pondweed is found in slow-moving streams, ditches, ponds, lakes and wetlands. It grows in clear, cold alkaline waters.
Threats
The main threats to this plant are water diversion, drainage and pollution.
Protection
Hill’s Pondweed is listed as a species of Special Concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Although species of Special Concern do not receive legal protection under this act, plants of this species located in Bruce Peninsula National Park are protected. Most locations of this plant are on private land.
What You Can Do to Help Hill’s Pondweed
- The Ministry of Natural Resources tracks species at risk such as the Hill’s Pondweed. You can use a handy online form to report your sightings to the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Photographs with specific locations or mapping coordinates are always helpful. nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca
- Report any illegal activity related to plants and wildlife to 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
- Private land owners have a very important role to play in species recovery. You may be eligible for stewardship programs that support the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
- Volunteer with your local nature club or provincial park to participate in surveys or stewardship work focused on species at risk.
Did you know?
Hill’s Pondweed can become abundant in some locations and provide dense cover for amphibians and small fish.
Did you know?
This plant flowers in the summer, and its small fruits are eaten by ducks.
Did you know?
Hill’s Pondweed seeds float.
Did you know?
Hill’s Pondweed was not discovered in Ontario until 1951, but a specimen in the Canadian Museum of Nature was collected in 1901. More historical specimens may be discovered in Canadian collections.
Contact your local ministry office
Often the best source of local information on species at risk is your nearest ministry office. Call with your questions or concerns.
