Synonyms: Vallisneria spiralis, Wild Celery.
Vallisneria americana is not a true grass but rather a member of the Hydrocharitaceae, or so-called “tape-grasses.” It is an important underwater plant in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. One of its common names is "eelgrass," which can lead to confusion because another underwater plant in the Bay is also often called "eelgrass." That plant is Zostera marina var. stenophylla, or Seawrack.
Anchored in sand or mud bottoms, Vallisneria americana completes its reproductive cycle underwater.
In the Chesapeake Bay, Vallisneria americana is most abundant in the upper freshwater reaches. Like other underwater grasses, Vallisneria americana grows in shallow coastal waters, where it receives enough sunlight to photosynthesize.
Vallisneria americana is a valuable natural resource, providing critical habitat for fish and invertebrates. Its reproductive structures and roots sustain migrating and wintering waterfowl, such as Canvasback ducks.
There are 40 records in the project database.
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