Curly-Leaved Pondweed Look Alikes Clasping-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) Clasping-Leaved Pondweed Drawing, USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5. Used with permission. Plant Characteristics Wide oval-shaped leaves have smooth edges In shallow water, plants have thicker darker green foliage than do plants growing in deeper water Leaf margins are slightly crisped Basal parts of leaves clasp straight and slender plant stems Found in ponds or streams Back Page updated on August 15, 2005.