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Plant
Identification
Eelgrass
 Description Management
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Vallisneria
americana
Eelgrass, tapegrass,
or wild celery are all common names for Vallisneria. Eelgrass
is a rooted submerged plant often found in flowing water. It
has long, thin, ribbon-like leaves (1/2 - 3/4 inches wide)
that are commonly 3 to 4 feet long. The vein pattern in the leaves
of eelgrass is very distinctive and resembles celery. Eelgrass
has a vast rhizome system that allows it to form dense colonies
and usually excludes other submerged plants.
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. Eelgrass seeds, roots and leaves are consumed
by ducks and other waterfowl, while its dense underwater structures
provides an excellent habitat for invertebrates and fish.
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" indicates Non-Native plants.