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Southern Naiad

Najas guadalupensis


clump of Southern Naiad
southern naiad under water
southern naiad separated

southern naiad size comparison
southern naiad being held
close up of aouthern naiad

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustrations courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Southern Naiad (Bushy Pondweed)?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Linear
  • Range from opposite to somewhat alternate
  • All submersed
  • Up to 1 inch long & 0.08 inches wide
  • Gradually gets smaller as it approaches the tip
  • Usually tipped with 1-2 spines
  • Rounded or sloping at the base

Stems:

  • Slender
  • Branching
  • About 2 feet long

Seeds:

  • Elliptical-shaped
  • Dull

Where Does it Grow?

Southern naiad can be found in lakes and ponds. Bushy pondweed (A.K.A. southern naiad) is often confused with sago pondweed and widgeon grass.

Pros and Con of Southern Naiad

Southern naiad vegetation and seeds are consumed by many species of ducks and is considered a primary food source. 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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