Statewide IPM Program, University of California

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Waterweed Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Naiads (Najas spp.)

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Naiads are annual freshwater broadleaf plants with floating or submerged leaves, or both. They grow in rice fields and other areas where standing water persists from early spring into summer.

Mature plant

Leaves encircle the stem in whorls of three. Leaves are 1 inch (2.54 cm) long and very narrow, 1/100 to 1/10 of an inch (0.25–2.5 mm) wide and taper at the tips. Stems are 10 to 25 inches (25–62.5 cm) long and may branch at the stem joints (nodes). Leaf edges have minute teeth.

Flowers

Tiny, stalkless flowers are found in the junctions between the stem and leaf stalks.

Reproduction

Plants reproduce from seeds or from stems.

More information

Broadleaf ID illustration
Calflora's distribution map
For agriculture: UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines

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