Coontail
Ceratophyllum demersum L.

Origin: Native

Description
Coontail is a submersed plant. It has no roots, and so is free-floating. It grows in sluggish waters.Coontail occurs in the entire U.S., in PR and the Virgin Islands, and throughout most of Canada. Because its feathery leaves are arranged in whorls on the stem, this plant resembles a racoon's tail. The fan-shaped leaves are best observed in the water. They look feathery because each leaf is divided into many narrow segments. Each leaf has several small teeth on the midribs. These tiny teeth give the plant a rough feel when pulled through the hand. Coontail's flowers are very small and rarely seen.

Submersed free-floating (rootless) plant, highly branched, with whorled palmately dissected leaves, flowers inconspicuous, prolific seed former; evergreen perennial.