How much sun does Slender Waternymph need?

Slender Waternymph grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Slender Waternymph bloom?

Slender Waternymph blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Slender Waternymph native?

Slender Waternymph (Najas gracillima) is native to AL, CT, DE, IL and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Slender Waternymph HOA-friendly?

Slender Waternymph takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Slender Waternymph

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Najas gracillima

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Slender Waternymph (Najas gracillima) 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

4"–24" H × 1"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, IL and 20 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 445 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

Piedmont Northern Lakes and Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians

Slender waternymph is an aquatic annual plant that grows completely submerged in shallow water or very wet soil. This delicate native plant forms thin, grass-like colonies in ponds, wetlands, and water gardens during the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Waternymph 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.

Requires permanent water feature for survival
Not suitable for typical residential landscaping
Only appropriate for water gardens or naturalized ponds

Wildlife value

This aquatic plant provides shelter and food for fish, waterfowl, and aquatic invertebrates. It helps oxygenate water and creates habitat in pond ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Waternymph need?: Slender Waternymph grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Slender Waternymph bloom?: Slender Waternymph blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Slender Waternymph native?: Slender Waternymph (Najas gracillima) is native to AL, CT, DE, IL and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Slender Waternymph HOA-friendly?: Slender Waternymph 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 Slender Waternymph? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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