SafePlants

Najas guadalupensis and Other Waternymphs

Considerations for Pets

• Several species are considered weedy and/or invasive, which could indicate rapid growth and potential displacement of native plants if introduced to new environments.

Considerations for Children

• Some species are known as "brittle waternymph," indicating a potential for small, easily broken pieces.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Najas guadalupensis (Spreng.) Magnus
• Common Names: Florida waternymph, southern waternymph, Guadalupe waternymph, common waternymph

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Water-nymph Family
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Najas guadalupensis subsp. floridana)
• Synonym: Najas guadalupensis var. floridana R.R. Haynes & Wentz

Distribution and Habitat

• Occurs in sub-tropical and tropical regions of the Americas.
• Found in the Big Cypress Swamp in south Florida.
• Najas minor is established from Ontario west to Illinois and south to Florida.
• Other US regions: Established in AZ, CA, FL, ND, NV, SD, TX, UT.
• Specifically mentioned locations include Florida, Georgia, and Alabama for some taxa.

Ecological Role

• Najas minor is considered a weedy invasive species in the eastern half of the United States, from Florida to Oklahoma.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brittle waternymph (Najas minor) is an annual aquatic submersed plant.

Related Species

• Najas filifolia (Needleleaf waternymph, slender naiad)
• Najas minor (Brittle naiad, brittle waternymph)
• Najas wrightiana (Wright's waternymph)
• Najas flexilis (Slender Water-nymph, nodding waternymph)
• Najas grossareolata
• Najas hagerupii
• Najas halophila
• Najas heteromorpha

Further Information

• Atlas of Florida Plants
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Florida Early Detection Network