Chara spp.
What is Muskgrass (Chara)?
Physical Characteristics
- Foul, musty – almost garlic-like odor
- Gray-green branched multi-cellular algae that is often confused with submerged flowering plants
- Has no flower
- Will not extend above the water surface
- Often has a “grainy” or “crunchy” texture
- Has cylindrical, whorled branches with 6 to 16 branchlets around each node
Pros and Cons of Muskgrass
Chara is consumed by many species of ducks. 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.