Hottonia inflata
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration – USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 710.
What is American Featherfoil?
Annual, aquatic herb with erect or ascending hollow; leafless flower stems
Physical Characteristics
Stem:
- leafless
- 6 inches
Leaves:
- oblong in outline
- dissected into filiform divisions
- clustered at base of flower stems
Flowers:
Where does American Featherfoil Grow?
American featherfoil can be found in shallow, quite, clear organic waters. Commonly grows in association with pennyworts and bladderworts.
Pros and Cons of American Featherfoil.
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.