Does Vallisneria americana grow above or below the water surface?

Vallisneria americana grows fully submerged, with long ribbon-like leaves rooted in the substrate and reaching toward the water surface. Its flowers are the only part that may briefly reach the surface.

How is Vallisneria americana pollinated?

Vallisneria americana is pollinated by water rather than insects. Male flowers break free and float on the surface until they reach female flowers, which stay tethered by a long stalk.

When does Vallisneria americana bloom?

Vallisneria americana produces small, inconspicuous flowers over an extended period, generally from March into November depending on water temperature and region.

What water conditions does Vallisneria americana need?

Vallisneria americana needs consistently high water levels since it is an obligate submerged aquatic plant. It grows best in clear, slow-moving to still freshwater with good light penetration.

Is American Eelgrass toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Eelgrass as toxic to livestock.

Is American Eelgrass HOA-friendly?

American Eelgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

American Eelgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Vallisneria americana

Last reviewed: October 2026

Vallisneria americana is a submerged aquatic forb found in lakes, rivers, and slow-moving streams across much of the eastern and central United States, with inconspicuous flowers appearing from March through November.

Toxicity unknown

American Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Eelgrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

72"–48" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 27 more states

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Try it with your yard

American Eelgrass is an aquatic perennial that grows submerged in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. This native Texas plant forms underwater meadows with long, ribbon-like leaves that can reach up to 6 feet in length. It requires permanent standing water and is not suitable for typical landscape beds.

Growing American Eelgrass

Grow American Eelgrass in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 72 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Eelgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 1 out of 5.

Works well in: backyard only.

May flop without support
Best in less formal zones

Wildlife value

This aquatic plant provides critical habitat for fish, waterfowl, and aquatic invertebrates. It offers spawning areas for fish and food for ducks and other water birds.

Common questions

Does Vallisneria americana grow above or below the water surface?: Vallisneria americana grows fully submerged, with long ribbon-like leaves rooted in the substrate and reaching toward the water surface. Its flowers are the only part that may briefly reach the surface.
How is Vallisneria americana pollinated?: Vallisneria americana is pollinated by water rather than insects. Male flowers break free and float on the surface until they reach female flowers, which stay tethered by a long stalk.
When does Vallisneria americana bloom?: Vallisneria americana produces small, inconspicuous flowers over an extended period, generally from March into November depending on water temperature and region.
What water conditions does Vallisneria americana need?: Vallisneria americana needs consistently high water levels since it is an obligate submerged aquatic plant. It grows best in clear, slow-moving to still freshwater with good light penetration.
Is American Eelgrass toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Eelgrass as toxic to livestock.
Is American Eelgrass HOA-friendly?: American Eelgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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