Family: Hydrocharitaceae
alkaline water-nymph, spiny naiad
[Najas gracilis (Morong) Small, more... ]
Etymology: Najas: from Greek Naias, a water nymph
Plants: submerged annual, dioecious aquatic; stems very long, many branches, 0.5-4mm thick, often prickly; slight rootstock
Leaves: very narrow, to 2"L x 2W, coarsely toothed edges, lower side of mid-vein prickly
Flowers: tiny, from leaf axis
Fruits: red-brown, paper-thin walls, irregular pits
Habitat: wet; clear 3' or more deep-water alkaline water
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: submerged annual, dioecious aquatic; stems very long, many branches, 0.5-4mm thick, often prickly; slight rootstock
Leaves: very narrow, to 2"L x 2W, coarsely toothed edges, lower side of mid-vein prickly
Flowers: tiny, from leaf axis
Fruits: red-brown, paper-thin walls, irregular pits
Habitat: wet; clear 3' or more deep-water alkaline water
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, 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.