Etymology: Ceratophyllum: from the Greek keras, "a horn," and phyllon, "leaf," alluding to the stiff and narrow leaf divisions, this is a genus often called hornwort
Plants: perennial, submerged aquatic, evergreen; stems long, trailing; lacks true roots, may anchor in sediment by modified leaves
Leaves: whorled, stiff, 5-12 per node, forks 1-2 times, edges toothed with small spine at tip, spaced whorls closer at branch ends
Flowers: tiny, male and female flowers, in leaf axils, on separate plants
Fruits: dry seed with 2 spines at the base and 1 at the top
Habitat: water to >7' deep
- leaves branching once or twice

- fruits with three projections

- leaves branching once or twice

- fruits with three narrow projections

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Wetland Plants: Photos, descriptions, information USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin 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.