No images found for this plant ID: 7062.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7062" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Carolina fanwort
Scientific Name: Cabomba caroliniana
Family: Cabombaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: IN (Carolina fanwort), KY (Carolina fanwort)
Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)
Carolina fanwort, scientifically known as Cabomba caroliniana, is an aquatic plant with several common names, including green cabomba, Carolina water-shield, fanwort, and fish grass.
It is known for its feathery green leaves which are divided into narrow segments, creating a fan-like appearance.
Considerations for Pets
- Fanwort stems become brittle, particularly in late summer, causing the plant to break. While the text doesn't explicitly state toxicity, small plant pieces might pose a choking hazard or cause digestive upset if ingested by pets, particularly aquatic pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray
- Family: Cabombaceae (water-shield family)
- Genus: Cabomba Aubl.
- Synonyms: Green Cabomba, Carolina water-shield
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- Native Origin: Primarily native to North and South America, specifically the southeastern United States.
- Introduced Locations: It has been introduced to New England, the Northwest, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Washington State, Japan, and other regions, including Ontario, Canada.
- Habitat: Typically found rooted in the mud of stagnant to slow-flowing freshwater environments.
Ecological Role
- Invasive Species: Cabomba caroliniana is considered an invasive species in several regions outside its native range, including Washington state and Ontario, Canada.
- Impact: It can grow densely, crowding out other aquatic plants. It is even considered a weedy plant in its native range.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Habit: Perennial, submerged, rooted aquatic plant. It can sometimes be floating.
- Appearance: Features bright green, feathery leaves divided into narrow segments, giving a fan-like appearance.
- Growth: Densely growing plant.
Additional Information
- Popularity: It is an old-time favorite in the aquarium hobby, especially among beginners.
- Dispersal Vector: Likely spread through the aquarium trade and horticulture.
Resources
- USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CACA)
- Invasive Plant Atlas
- Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants, Washington State
- Discover Life