Etymology: Elodea: Greek elodes for "marsh"
Plants: drooping/tangling, perennial, submersed aquatic, flowers floating; branched stems to 40"; roots shallow
Leaves: linear to lance-like, bright green, stalkless, not firm, edges folded, more or less equally spaced along the stem; 2-3 per whorl
Flowers: white, 3-6-parted (clawed) female flowers small, waxy; male flowers break free at maturity; male and female flowers on separate plants
Habitat: quiet water; in fine sediment soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos