Coontail
Ceratophyllum demersum
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Coontail as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–144" H × 12"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Coontail is a submerged aquatic plant that grows entirely underwater in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. This native plant has no roots and floats freely or anchors loosely to the bottom with modified leaves.
In an HOA neighborhood
Coontail takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Provides important habitat and oxygen for fish, aquatic insects, and amphibians. Serves as food for waterfowl and helps maintain water quality in aquatic ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Coontail need?
- Coontail grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Coontail bloom?
- Coontail blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Coontail native?
- Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Coontail toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Coontail as toxic to livestock.
- Is Coontail HOA-friendly?
- Coontail takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Coontail fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.