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Plant Identification

Brittle Naiad (Marine Naiad)


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Najas marina

Brittle naiad, marine naiad, or spiny naiad occurs in fresh or brackish waters. It is a rooted submerged annual plant that resembles southern naiad except the leaves are highly toothed (3 - 12 teeth). Leaves are up to 1 1/4 inch long and 3/16 wide with several leaves at each node. Flowers (1/8 to 3/16 inch long) are found during summer, in the leaf axis.

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called "detritus") for many aquatic invertebrates. Brittle naiad is readily consumed by ducks.

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Submerged Plant Index

"" indicates Non-Native plants.

American Pondweed
Baby Pondweed
Brittle Naiad (Marine Naiad)
Bushy Pondweed (Southern Naiad)
Cabomba (Fanwort)
Coontail
Curly-Leafed Pondweed
Eelgrass
Egeria
Elodea
Eurasian Watermilfoil

Fanwort (Cabomba)
Hydrilla
Illinois Pondweed
Marine Naiad (Brittle Naiad)
Parrotfeather
Sago Pondweed
Southern Naiad (Bushy Pondweed)
Variable-Leaf Pondweed
Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil
Waterstargrass
Widgeon Grass

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