Cycnogeton procerus
water ribbons
Overview
Cycnogeton procerus is an aquatic perennial that grows from fleshy tubers rooted in mud beneath still or slow-moving fresh water. The ribbon-like leaves are strap-shaped, 12-60 inches (30-150 cm) long and 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) wide, either floating on the surface or trailing in the current, with length varying according to water depth. Emergent flower spikes rise above the water from spring through summer, each a narrow cylindrical raceme 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) long packed with small green to brownish flowers that release pollen to the wind. The flowers mature into clusters of segmented fruits that break apart and float to disperse. Below the surface, the plant forms colonies by short rhizomes and replacement tubers. Foliage dies back in water bodies that dry out, with the tubers resprouting when water returns. Plants need permanent or seasonal standing water and do not survive in ordinary garden soil that lacks saturation.
Native Range
Native to Australia, occurring in all mainland states and Tasmania. Grows in freshwater wetlands, ponds, lake margins, slow streams, and roadside ditches, in water from a few inches to several feet deep over silty or muddy substrates.Suggested Uses
Grown in ponds, dam margins, and constructed wetlands for bank stabilisation and as habitat for aquatic life. Suits the shallow margins of still water at 12-24 inch (30-60 cm) spacing. Also grown in submerged containers in formal water features where its spread can be contained.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowers from spring through summer, mainly September to February in its native range. Spikes are produced in succession over several weeks while water levels remain stable. Wind carries the pollen, and flowering declines as water bodies draw down in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in permanent or seasonal fresh water 4-36 inches (10-90 cm) deep over a muddy base. Tubers are set into submerged pots of heavy loam topped with gravel, or directly into pond-bottom mud. Water depth and quality matter more than soil fertility; stagnant, low-oxygen water in summer can cause leaf collapse. The plant withstands seasonal drying by retreating to dormant tubers and resprouting when water returns. In frost-prone areas the submerged tubers survive under water that does not freeze solid. Excess leaves are removed to keep the colony within bounds, as it spreads steadily in still water.Pruning
Floating leaves are thinned and spreading rhizomes pulled out through the growing season to control spread in ponds. Spent flower spikes are cut at the waterline to reduce self-seeding. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons