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Aquatic Plant ID
They go by different names. You may call them “weeds,” “grass” or “moss.” Aquatic plants are an integral part of the Tennessee River’s ecosystem, whether providing nutrients for the species at the bottom of the food chain, cover and ambush areas for largemouth bass or food source for the multitude of local waterfowl.
This guide provides information to help you understand when these plants are most productive, where they grow and—most importantly—help you identify them. Whether you are an angler, property owner or any other lake user, we invite you to learn more about the aquatic plants present in our Tennessee Valley region reservoirs.
The guide also offers season-by-season tips for fishing among these plants.
Floating and Floating Leaf Plants
Brazilian Elodea
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), a non-native plant acts much like an evergreen, coming back from existing plants in the spring. It grows fast, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface.
Description
Brazilian elodea is a perennial with long, branching stems that is rooted at the bottom. The leaves are generally about 1 inch long and about ¼ inch wide with finely toothed edges. They generally occur in whorls of 4 or occasionally 8, except on the lowest part of the plant where they are opposite. The whorls get closer together toward the plant’s tip. The flowers often extend an inch above the water, are less than an inch in diameter, and have 3 reflexed sepals, 3 white petals and 9 stamens. Two to four flowers on slender stalks originate from a stamen spathe. Only male plants are known to occur in the United States.
Habitat
Brazilian elodea is a non-native plant from South America which was introduced into waters around the world primarily by the aquarium industry. It grows in flowing or still water up to 18 feet deep and tolerates a wide range of water quality conditions. This plant’s dense mats can prevent recreational use of waterways, but it is not as aggressive as some other non-native invasive species. It is widespread throughout the Tennessee Valley region but is restricted to localized colonies.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are large, pointed and whorled around the stem, often appearing dark green or even purple.
Where to Find It—Look for Brazilian elodea on main lake points and along the river where flow is increased. Long linear beds of the plant are often found in the riverine section of the reservoirs.
Depth—0 to 18 feet
Similar Species—Brazilian elodea looks very similar to hydrilla; however, hydrilla leaves have teeth that can be seen with the naked eye, and Brazilian elodea is typically much larger than hydrilla in appearance. Canadian elodea is also similar but much smaller with no teeth on the leaves.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—Acting much like an evergreen, this species will come back from existing plants in spring and even flowering in late spring. Brazilian elodea will grow rapidly, often creating some of the first large mats to fish. Fish a swimbait around clearly defined weed edges.
Summer—Invasive Brazilian elodea will grow profusely during summer, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface, making fishing Brazilian elodea tough. Tie on some heavy tungsten and do your best to get bait down to the fish. This species is a canopy former, so if you can get bait through the top, there are many openings below that can hold big fish.
Fall—Brazilian elodea will briefly begin another flush of growth and second flowering cycle in fall while other plants are beginning to die back. Brazilian elodea can hold frog bite much later into the fall and early winter while others mats are breaking up.
Winter—Plants will persist throughout winter as dormant root crowns. Hanging around through winter, Brazilian elodea can provide some structure while many other plants will be gone until spring.
Drawbacks
Invasive Brazilian elodea can cause issues with water use.
Shoreline Plants
Brazilian Elodea
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), a non-native plant acts much like an evergreen, coming back from existing plants in the spring. It grows fast, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface.
Description
Brazilian elodea is a perennial with long, branching stems that is rooted at the bottom. The leaves are generally about 1 inch long and about ¼ inch wide with finely toothed edges. They generally occur in whorls of 4 or occasionally 8, except on the lowest part of the plant where they are opposite. The whorls get closer together toward the plant’s tip. The flowers often extend an inch above the water, are less than an inch in diameter, and have 3 reflexed sepals, 3 white petals and 9 stamens. Two to four flowers on slender stalks originate from a stamen spathe. Only male plants are known to occur in the United States.
Habitat
Brazilian elodea is a non-native plant from South America which was introduced into waters around the world primarily by the aquarium industry. It grows in flowing or still water up to 18 feet deep and tolerates a wide range of water quality conditions. This plant’s dense mats can prevent recreational use of waterways, but it is not as aggressive as some other non-native invasive species. It is widespread throughout the Tennessee Valley region but is restricted to localized colonies.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are large, pointed and whorled around the stem, often appearing dark green or even purple.
Where to Find It—Look for Brazilian elodea on main lake points and along the river where flow is increased. Long linear beds of the plant are often found in the riverine section of the reservoirs.
Depth—0 to 18 feet
Similar Species—Brazilian elodea looks very similar to hydrilla; however, hydrilla leaves have teeth that can be seen with the naked eye, and Brazilian elodea is typically much larger than hydrilla in appearance. Canadian elodea is also similar but much smaller with no teeth on the leaves.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—Acting much like an evergreen, this species will come back from existing plants in spring and even flowering in late spring. Brazilian elodea will grow rapidly, often creating some of the first large mats to fish. Fish a swimbait around clearly defined weed edges.
Summer—Invasive Brazilian elodea will grow profusely during summer, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface, making fishing Brazilian elodea tough. Tie on some heavy tungsten and do your best to get bait down to the fish. This species is a canopy former, so if you can get bait through the top, there are many openings below that can hold big fish.
Fall—Brazilian elodea will briefly begin another flush of growth and second flowering cycle in fall while other plants are beginning to die back. Brazilian elodea can hold frog bite much later into the fall and early winter while others mats are breaking up.
Winter—Plants will persist throughout winter as dormant root crowns. Hanging around through winter, Brazilian elodea can provide some structure while many other plants will be gone until spring.
Drawbacks
Invasive Brazilian elodea can cause issues with water use.
Submersed Plants
Brazilian Elodea
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), a non-native plant acts much like an evergreen, coming back from existing plants in the spring. It grows fast, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface.
Description
Brazilian elodea is a perennial with long, branching stems that is rooted at the bottom. The leaves are generally about 1 inch long and about ¼ inch wide with finely toothed edges. They generally occur in whorls of 4 or occasionally 8, except on the lowest part of the plant where they are opposite. The whorls get closer together toward the plant’s tip. The flowers often extend an inch above the water, are less than an inch in diameter, and have 3 reflexed sepals, 3 white petals and 9 stamens. Two to four flowers on slender stalks originate from a stamen spathe. Only male plants are known to occur in the United States.
Habitat
Brazilian elodea is a non-native plant from South America which was introduced into waters around the world primarily by the aquarium industry. It grows in flowing or still water up to 18 feet deep and tolerates a wide range of water quality conditions. This plant’s dense mats can prevent recreational use of waterways, but it is not as aggressive as some other non-native invasive species. It is widespread throughout the Tennessee Valley region but is restricted to localized colonies.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—Leaves are large, pointed and whorled around the stem, often appearing dark green or even purple.
Where to Find It—Look for Brazilian elodea on main lake points and along the river where flow is increased. Long linear beds of the plant are often found in the riverine section of the reservoirs.
Depth—0 to 18 feet
Similar Species—Brazilian elodea looks very similar to hydrilla; however, hydrilla leaves have teeth that can be seen with the naked eye, and Brazilian elodea is typically much larger than hydrilla in appearance. Canadian elodea is also similar but much smaller with no teeth on the leaves.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—Acting much like an evergreen, this species will come back from existing plants in spring and even flowering in late spring. Brazilian elodea will grow rapidly, often creating some of the first large mats to fish. Fish a swimbait around clearly defined weed edges.
Summer—Invasive Brazilian elodea will grow profusely during summer, creating dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface, making fishing Brazilian elodea tough. Tie on some heavy tungsten and do your best to get bait down to the fish. This species is a canopy former, so if you can get bait through the top, there are many openings below that can hold big fish.
Fall—Brazilian elodea will briefly begin another flush of growth and second flowering cycle in fall while other plants are beginning to die back. Brazilian elodea can hold frog bite much later into the fall and early winter while others mats are breaking up.
Winter—Plants will persist throughout winter as dormant root crowns. Hanging around through winter, Brazilian elodea can provide some structure while many other plants will be gone until spring.
Drawbacks
Invasive Brazilian elodea can cause issues with water use.