SafePlants

Waterwort (Elatine species)

Waterwort is a common name for several aquatic plants belonging to the genus Elatine. This genus comprises approximately 25 species and is one of only two genera in the Elatinaceae family, also known as the waterwort family.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Elatine, such as Elatine hexandra, Elatine hydropiper, and Elatine macropoda, are sometimes grown in aquariums.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Elatine
• Common Name: Waterwort
• Family: Elatinaceae (Waterwort Family)
• Kingdom: Plant
• The Elatinaceae family contains two genera: Elatine and Bergia.
• Synonyms:
  • For Elatine americana: Elatine triandra syn E. americana, E. orientalis

Distribution and Habitat

• Waterworts are found worldwide.
• Elatine americana (American Waterwort) inhabits lake and river shores and tidal reaches, typically on muddy substrates, and is often submerged in shallow water. It was found in many mud flats along the Hudson River in a mid-1930s survey.
• Several species are Eurasian.
• Elatine gratioloides occurs along the Murray River in Australia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Waterworts are mostly small annual herbs.
• Elatine americana is a minute, broad-leaved, annual species forming tufts with creeping or sprawling stems.
• Some species tend to form mats.
• A single species of these tiny herbaceous creeping plants reaches Nova Scotia, sprawling stems bear erect branches.

Quirky Facts

• In a state-sponsored survey of the plants of the tidal Hudson River in the mid-1930s, Elatine americana was found at many of the mud flats along the river.

Additional Information

• The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life Web Project), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library), and WikiSpecies are potential sources for further information.