It produces both floating and submersed leaves on the same plant.
The floating leaves are ovate to oblong-ovate and almost always cordate at the base.
 They are dark green, leathery, opaque, with translucent longitudinal veins.
 They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tips, and rounded at the base.

The stipules are 4 to 17 cm long.

The submerged grass-like structures are called phyllodes, are actually modified leaf stalks.

The stems are cylindrical, without many branches, and grow from 1 to 2 metres.

The main difference between this species and other pondweeds is a discoloured flexible joint just below the top of the long leaf stalk.

The flower spikes are dense, and cylindrical.
 They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tip and rounded at the base.
 It flowers from May to September.

The fruits are 4 to 5 mm long and obovate.
It produces both floating and submersed leaves on the same plant. The floating leaves are ovate to oblong-ovate and almost always cordate at the base.  They are dark green, leathery, opaque, with translucent longitudinal veins.  They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tips, and rounded at the base.
The stipules are 4 to 17 cm long.
The submerged grass-like structures are called phyllodes, are actually modified leaf stalks.
The stems are cylindrical, without many branches, and grow from 1 to 2 metres.
The main difference between this species and other pondweeds is a discoloured flexible joint just below the top of the long leaf stalk.
The flower spikes are dense, and cylindrical.  They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tip and rounded at the base.  It flowers from May to September.
The fruits are 4 to 5 mm long and obovate.
Potamogeton natans