Canadian Pondweed, Canadian waterweed

Elodea canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Elodea canadensis is a PERENNIAL. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Water. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

N. America - Alaska to California east to Quebec and Virginia. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the plant has been used as a strong emetic[257].

Known Hazards

None known