Eelgrass: Pictures, Flowers, Leaves & Identification

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Eelgrass is a submerged aquatic plant that is not a seaweed; it is a perennial flowering plant. Eelgrass grows both by vegetative growth and by seed germination. A similar edible species is Zostera marina which grows in salt water environments. Vallisneria americana grows in fresh water yet both share the same common name. Native American cultures used the bulk plant material for smoking meats. Eelgrass was once harvested for use as stuffing in making a mattress. Due to its low flammability, dried eelgrass shoots were also used as housing insulation. Eelgrass growth varies seasonally, with winter die-off and spring/summer re-growth. Every year there is considerable variation in abundance due to a variety of factors.

Distinguishing Features

Eelgrass is identified by its long, ribbon-like leaf blades with rounded tips and 3 to 7 parallel veins, growing from a creeping horizontal rhizome. Eelgrass has a thick, creeping underground rhizome, 2 to 5cm ( 1 to 3") long, with many roots and nodes.

Flowers

There are male and female flowers are on different plants. Female flowers are single at the tip of a long stalk, lack petals and have 3 sepals each about 4mm (1/6") long. In the center are 3 broad, white, 2-parted styles. The flower stalk is initially straight and grows until it reaches the water's surface. Then the flower opens and floats on the surface waiting for pollination. Once pollinated, it tends to drag the developing fruit under water.

Leaves

Leaves are green, sometimes red. They are all basal, submersed or sometimes partially floating. They are stalkless, linear, flat, and thin. They can be as short as 8cm (4") or as long as 2 m (6') depending on water depth. Eelgrass is not wide, 3 to 15 mm (up to 1/2"). They are rounded to pointed at the tip, grading into a sheath at the base. Edges are toothless to minutely toothed and may be crinkly or wavy.

Height

Up to 2m (6').

Habitat

This aquatic grows in part shade or in full sun. It can be found in shallow water or in water over 3m (10') deep. It grows in calm or slow-moving water; lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams.

Edible Parts

Leaves can be consumed cooked. If the source of water in which it grows is uncontaminated then it can be consumed raw. Leaf bases are somewhat sweet. Seeds can be consumed also. The root is crisp and sweet, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Eelgrass seeds are packed with high levels of protein and fiber. The seeds contain healthy fats, including oleic acid, which makes up about 62% of the total fatty acids. Eelgrass contains beneficial compounds like chlorophylls and carotenoids, which act as vitamins and powerful antioxidants.

Other Name

American Eelgrass.

Similar Plants

Zostera marina.