Slender Waternymph
Najas gracillima
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 1"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, CA, CT, DE and 21 more states
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.
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 Slender Waternymph fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.