Coontail or Hornwort: Ceratophyllum demersum
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Weed Description: An aquatic annual weed that is submersed and has the overall appearance of a ‘coon’s tail’. This weed is capable of forming large colonies in fairly deep water of lakes and ponds and is found throughout the southeastern United States. |
| Leaves: All parts of the plant, including the leaves, are rough to the touch. Leaves are submersed, finely dissected, and occur in whorls of 5 or more. Individual leaves are linear in outline, ½ to ¾ inch long, and are toothed along one margin only. Leaves become more and more crowded toward the stem tip. |  |
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Stems: Rough feeling, branched, reaching 15 feet or more in length. Stems are either floating free or attached to the substrate below via rhizoids. |
| Flowers: Small, solitary, without a stalk, and occur at the leaf bases (leaf axils). Flowers are inconspicuous and have no sepals and petals. Flowers also remain submersed throughout the year. |  |
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Fruit: An achene. |
| Identifying Characteristics: Submersed aquatic weed that resembles a coon’s tail. The toothed margin along one side of the leaves of coontail help to distinguish this from most other submersed aquatic weeds. |  |