Widely spread aquatic perennial having submerged branching stems about 2 to 8 feet long with both submerged and floating leaves born on long leaf stems, a distinctive feature. Rhizomes present.
Perennial fresh or brackish plant with jointed stems; submerged narrow to ovate leaves up to 1/8 inch wide with a stem and a blade; floating leaves are broad and leathery with long stems.
Habitat
Appearing in clear to turbid waters of lakes, streams, rivers and sloughs. Frequent in ditches, streams, and lakes.
Flower Characteristics
Spikes of tiny flowers from the axils of floating leaves rise above the surface of the water. Spikes are 3/4 to 2 inches long.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Waxy-shiny, elliptic to ovate, stalked, and leathery. Stems are green to pale yellow.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Tiny, less than 1/8 inch long and wide; usually one seeded and does not separate or split open at maturity.