Water Stargrass

Description

Water stargrass is a submersed aquatic perennial that roots firmly in bottom sediment. It has long, slender, branched stems and alternate, linear leaves up to 8 inches long and less than ¼ inch wide, with no discernable central vein. A sheath-like structure with a pair of pointed lobes occurs at the base of each leaf. Its star-shaped, six-parted yellow flowers rise to the surface on stalks from the upper leaf axils. Viable seeds overwinter in the bottom sediment and germinate the following spring. Water stargrass also reproduces asexually, producing new plants from broken stem fragments.

Habitat

Water stargrass is native and widespread in the eastern and midwestern United States. Aside from providing a substrate for algae and some small invertebrates, this plant appears to have little value to fish or waterfowl. It is found throughout the middle and eastern sections of the Tennessee Valley region.

Identifying Features

What It Looks Like—Water stargrass has long, slender, alternate leaves growing from a long stem. Once the plants reach the surface, small yellow flowers will cover the surface on stems 2 to 3 inches above the water.

Max Depth—14 feet

Where to Find It—Water stargrass can grow in shallow water, but dense colonies usually form in deeper water near channel areas.

Similar Species—Water stargrass is similar to slender pondweed in description but is a larger and more robust plant with an emergent yellow flower.

Drawbacks

Water stargrass can impact water use in some areas and is a difficult plant to treat.