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Naiad

Najas flexilis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Naiad (Najas flexilis)
Photo: (c) Mary Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mary Krieger

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

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

4"–24" H × 4"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CA, CT, DE, IA and 27 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Najas flexilis is a submerged aquatic plant that grows entirely underwater in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. This flexible, branching plant forms dense underwater colonies and is primarily used in aquatic restoration projects or water gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Naiad takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

  • Aquatic plant requiring permanent water feature
  • Not suitable for typical residential landscaping
  • Would only work in specialized water gardens

Wildlife value

Provides important habitat and food for waterfowl, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. The seeds are eaten by ducks and other water birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Naiad need?
Naiad grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Naiad native?
Naiad (Najas flexilis) is native to CA, CT, DE, IA and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Naiad toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Naiad as toxic to livestock.
Is Naiad HOA-friendly?
Naiad 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Naiad? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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