American Eelgrass

(Vallisneria americana)

American Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Vallisneria americana, commonly known as American Eelgrass, is an evergreen perennial herb that thrives in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers across the Eastern USA, extending to Mexico, Central America, and Cuba. It typically grows to a height of 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 meters) and a width of 0.1-0.3 feet (0.03-0.09 meters). This submerged aquatic plant forms dense beds and has long, ribbon-like leaves that can rise two or more meters above the base, creating an underwater meadow appearance. The leaves are typically about one inch wide, with a distinct green mid-ridge, and are flexible and flat. American Eelgrass is dioecious, with separate male and female plants, and flowers are inconspicuous, occurring underwater.

American Eelgrass is valued for its ecological role in water ecosystems, stabilizing sediment and shorelines, supporting detrital food webs, and improving water quality through filtration. It is also popular in the aquarium trade as a background plant, appreciated for its ease of maintenance and ability to create a natural-looking aquatic environment. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and must be submerged in water, ideally with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It can tolerate a range of temperatures and some salinity, making it versatile for various aquatic settings. While generally disease-free, it can be affected by poor water conditions or overcrowding.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-6 feet
  • Width: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Aquatic
  • Drainage: Standing

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers across the Eastern USA, extending to Mexico, Central America, and Cuba

Other Names

Common Names: Eel-Grass, Water Celery, Tape Grass, Water-Celery, Wild Celery, Tapegrass, Herbe À La Barbotte, Vallisnérie D’Amérique, Tape-Grass, 美洲苦草

Scientific Names: , Vallisneria americana, Vallisneria asiatica, Vallisneria americana var. americana, Vallisneria neotropicalis, Vallisneria spiralis var. americana, Vallisneria spiralis subsp. americana, Vallisneria spiralis var. asiatica,

GBIF Accepted Name: Vallisneria americana Michx.