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southern waternymph
Scientific Name: Najas guadalupensis
Family: Najadaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names: CT (naiad), ME (southern naiad)
Southern Naiad (Najas guadalupensis)
Najas guadalupensis, commonly known as Southern Naiad, Southern Waternymph, Bushy Pondweed, or Common Water Nymph, is an aquatic plant species native to the Americas.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Najas guadalupensis (Spreng.) Magnus
- Family: Najadaceae (Waternymph Family), sometimes classified under Hydrocharitaceae (WATERWEED).
- Kingdom: Plantae (plants)
- Division: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)
- Synonym: USDA Symbol: NAGU
- Subspecies: Najas guadalupensis subsp. guadalupensis
- Alternative Names: Naja Grass, Guppy Grass
Distribution and Habitat
Southern Waternymph is native to the Americas and can be found in North America, Central America, and South America. Within North America, it is found in the USA, including states such as Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arizona. It typically grows in springs, fresh and brackish lakes, ponds, and canals.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is an annual herb.
- It forms dense, rooted, and submerged mats.
- It has narrow, dark green to purplish leaves, approximately 1/2 inch in length.
- It is a fast-growing floating plant.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Naiad" comes from Greek mythology, where Naiads were water nymphs, female spirits of sea waters.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden offers a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Garden Guides provides information on the Southern Waternymph and gardening.
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Najas guadalupensis.
- The USDA PLANTS database may contain further information.