Description
Elodea – Pondweed – Ditchmoss – Waterweed –
There are about 12 species of submerged aquatic perennials, in this genus. They occur in fresh water from North America to subtropical South America. The erect, spreading stems carries lance shaped to linear or ovate, bright green leaves, held in whorls of 3, excellent cover for fish fry, they are also useful for maintaining nutrient balance. It bears tiny, solitary flowers are borne within axillary spathes. Grow in a garden pond, the less vigorous species are suitable for an aquarium. They have a reputation for becoming weedy.
Grow in loamy soil, in an aquatic container in a pond in full sun.
E. candadensis – Canadian Pondweed – This Submerged aquatic perennial from North America as an indefinite spread. From brittle branching stems, 10-12″ long, carry lance shaped to ovate, finely toothed, flat, translucent, bright, dark green leaves, to ½” long, which curl slightly downward. Floating, petalless, purple-tinged green flowers, 3/8″ across, borne among the leaves in summer, have long, thread like stalks.
Zones 5-11
