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Combleaf Mermaidweed

Proserpinaca pectinata

Combleaf Mermaidweed Locations in Southeast US
Combleaf Mermaidweed Locations in North America
combleaf mermaidweed


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: 613.

What is Combleaf Mermaidweed?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Alternate
  • Feathery
  • Greenish-white in color

Flowers:

  • Found in spring and early summer

Fruit:

  • 3 angled
  • Small nut

Stem:

  • White or green in color
  • Spreading
  • Upper part upright

Where Does it Grow?

Combleaf mermaidweed can be found in water, but also grows well out of water.

Pros and Cons of Combleaf Mermaidweed

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.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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