Family: Salviniaceae
Pacific mosquitofern
[Azolla caroliniana Willd.]
Etymology: Azolla: name obscure
Plants: annual, aquatic fern either dark green, completely dark red or with just the edges bright red; free-floating or in 1 1/2" thick multi-layered mats
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: annual, aquatic fern either dark green, completely dark red or with just the edges bright red; free-floating or in 1 1/2" thick multi-layered mats
Conservation Status: Native
Rare in still or slow-flowing waters, perhaps occasionally introduced from aquarium tanks or with other aquatic material, proliferating during the growing season, limited by availability of phosphorus. Apparently winter tolerant, capable of surviving under thin ice. Difficult to identify without megaspores, but fast-growing plants more than 2 cm long are more likely this species.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Fern & Fern Allies: Photos, descriptions, information David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions