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Nutall Waterweed

Elodea nuttallii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Nutall Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Nutall Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) 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.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CA, CO, CT and 35 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Nuttall waterweed is a submerged aquatic plant that grows entirely underwater in ponds, streams, and water gardens. This native perennial produces small white flowers that float on the water surface during summer months and provides oxygen to aquatic ecosystems.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Aquatic plant unsuitable for typical residential landscaping
  • Requires permanent water feature
  • Can become invasive in water systems

Wildlife value

This plant supports aquatic ecosystems by providing oxygen and habitat for fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. It serves as food for waterfowl and creates shelter for small fish and other water creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Nutall Waterweed need?
Nutall Waterweed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Nutall Waterweed bloom?
Nutall Waterweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Nutall Waterweed native?
Nutall Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) is native to AR, CA, CO, CT and 35 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Nutall Waterweed HOA-friendly?
Nutall Waterweed 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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