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

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