Hydrocharitaceae

Elodea canadensis

Common Names: Elodea

Plant Form: Submerged aquatic perennial herb. Size: Stems up to 6 m long but submerged. Stem: Green to brownish, slender, buoyant near surface. Upper stems crowded together. Leaves: In rings of 3-5 around stem, 5 to 20 mm long, bright green. Flowers: Inconspicuous, solitary floating, white to purplish, 3 petaled, on whitish flowering stems. Fruit and Seeds: Do not occur in Australia currently, but small egg-shaped capsules 6-9 mm long. Habitat: Freshwater ponds, shallow lakes, waterholes, reservoirs. Distinguishing Features: Generally shorter leaves and less conspicuous flowers than lookalikes. Impacts: Reduces water flow, interferes with hydroelectic output, impacts recreational water use, outcompetes native species.

Leaves can be curled back

Flowers and foliage

Dense infestation