Brazilian Elodea
Brazilian elodea was discovered in Powderhorn Lake in the mid-2000's, but was chemically treated and has not been found within the MCWD since.
Appearance
Submersed aquatic plant. Perennial. Can be rooted or free floating.
Leaves
Bushy appearance. Leaves in whorls of 4 to 6. Leaf edges have very small serrations that require a magnifying glass to see.
Flowers
White flowers with 3 petals are on short stalks and are visible above water. Flowers are 0.7 to 1 inch wide.
Reproduction
Spreads by plant fragments. No female plants have been reported in the United States. Since all plants are male, no seeds are produced in the US.
Note on Identification
Brazilian elodea can be easily confused with native Canada waterweed.
- Brazilian elodea usually has four leaves per whorl (arranged around the stem) and each leaf is at least 2 cm long.
- Canada waterweed generally has three leaves per whorl and each leaf is usually less than 1 cm long.
See the DNR's reporting invasive aquatic plants webpage if you are unsure of identification or wish to report a new location of Brazilian elodea.
Additional resources
- Brazilian elodea fact sheet (Indiana DNR)
- Additional photos (King County, Washington)
(Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources).