Richardson's pondweed is a submerged perennial that tolerates a wide range of soil types, water velocities, sulphate concentrations, alkalinity, pH, and light availability (Spence and Dale 1978). However, it is somewhat depth limited; it generally grows at between 0.25 and 2.0 m. It produces both sexually and asexually and its seeds are considered to be a "good" quality waterfowl food (Martin and Uhler 1935). The distribution of this species within the Inner Bay has expanded since 1976, particularly in the Big Creek and North Shore areas (Figure 5.8, Table 5.2). The fact that its distribution is somewhat limited to these two areas is probably due to its affinity for shallow water.
