American tape grass [Vallisneria americana]
Description
American tape grass is a perennial plant that often forms dense colonies in shallow, calm water. It has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 1 meter in length. The leaves are ribbon-like, growing from a cluster at the base of the plant, and have rounded tips. The plant produces small, white flowers that float on the water's surface. It serves as a habitat for many micro and macro invertebrates, which are important food for waterfowl and fishes.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Seagrasses
Anthophyta
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Seagrasses
Anthophyta
|
| Order |
Eelgrasses
Zosterales
|
| Family |
Frog's-bit
Hydrocharitaceae
|
| Genus |
Tape grass
Vallisneria
|