Eelgrass (Vallisneria)

Other Common Names: tapegrass, wild celery

(Vallisneria americana)

Native

Eelgrass has long ribbon like leaves with very distinctive veins like that of celery.

Description

Eelgrass is a submerged plant with leaves that are grouped at the base, growing directly from the root. The leaves are straight and thin, ribbon like, about three-fourths of an inch wide and can grow to four feet in length. Eelgrass leaves have serrated edges, an obvious stripe in the middle, and a consistency like cellophane. Tiny white flowers sometimes float on the water. Eelgrass has horizontal creeping rhizomes that have multiple clusters of leaves.

 

This plant oftentimes forms underwater meadows. It grows in lakes or flowing streams with firm bottoms. It can grow in shallow water or water up to seven feet deep.

 

Sometimes eelgrass can be confused for an arrowhead plant, but the center stripe on the leaves sets it apart. This plant is a major food source for canvasback ducks; they even change their migration patterns to be near eelgrass beds. Other waterfowl eat this plant as well; the leaves, rhizomes, tubers, and fruit are all consumed. Ducks that eat a lot of eelgrass can have a celery like flavor, which is the reason for the name wild celery.

Location

Eelgrass can be found across most of the United States.

Propagation

rhizomes, fragments