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 3-4 times, edges toothless but with some spines, whorls mostly evenly spaced on stem
Flowers: tiny, male and female flowers, in leaf axils, on separate plants
Fruits: dry seed with several spines and a rough surface
Habitat: water to >7' deep
Conservation Status: Native

- some leaves branching 3 or 4 times

- fruits with many long spines

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = NO USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos