Etymology: Callitriche: from the Greek calos, "beautiful," and trichos, "hair," because of the beautiful stems
Plants: annual, submersed aquatic with tips of the shoots floating or forming mats in mud, less than 9" long; stems fine; roots shallow
Leaves: opposite, denser toward the tip of the stem, ribbon-like, pale green, smooth edges; when on the water surface, they form a rosette of spatulate leaves up to 1/4" wide
Flowers: 2-parted, minute, in the leaf axils
Fruits: longer-than-wide capsule with narrow wings and shallow grooves
Habitat: springs, quiet water; in muddy, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.