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Western waterweed

Elodea nuttallii · Aquatic plants

Western waterweed: Underwater

Underwater · Photo: MJDapifer / CC BY

NativeSubmerged

Also called Nuttall's waterweed, Slender waterweed

How to identify Western waterweed

  • Narrow, pointed leaves in whorls of 3, often curled or folded
  • Leaves thinner and paler than common elodea
  • Delicate, much branched stems

Similar plants

Elodea has broader leaves with rounded tips; twoleaf waterweed has leaves mostly in pairs.

Growth profile

Growing seasonOverwinters as green stems, grows quickly in late spring and peaks in midsummer.
Starts growingAbout 45 to 50 F water
LightTolerates low light and murky water
Depth1 to 15 feet
How it spreadsStem fragments and winter buds
HabitatLakes, ponds and slow streams, often in warm, nutrient rich or hard water.

Why it matters in a lake

Often mixed with elodea and hard to tell apart. Can form dense beds in shallow, nutrient rich water.

Where it is found

  • Idaho: Common
  • Oregon: Common
  • Wyoming: Occasional

Classification

KingdomPlantae
PhylumTracheophyta
ClassMagnoliopsida
OrderAlismatales
FamilyHydrocharitaceae
Scientific nameElodea nuttallii

More submerged plants

Eurasian watermilfoilCurly leaf pondweedBrazilian elodeaCoontailElodeaSago pondweedLeafy pondweedCommon bladderwortWhite water buttercupSlender naiad

Browse all aquatic plants in the Species Database

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