Coontail

Ceratophyllum demersum

Alternate names
Hornwort

Leaves
All parts of the plant, including the leaves, are rough to the touch. Leaves are submersed, finely dissected, and occur in whorls of 5 or more. Individual leaves are linear in outline, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, and are toothed along one margin only. Leaves become more and more crowded toward the stem tip.

Stems
Rough feeling, branched, reaching 15 feet or more in length. Stems are either floating free or attached to the substrate below via rhizoids.

Flowers
Small, solitary, without a stalk, and occur at the leaf bases (leaf axils). Flowers are inconspicuous and have no sepals and petals. Flowers also remain submersed throughout the year.

Fruit
An achene.

Identifying Characteristics
Submersed aquatic weed that resembles a coons tail. The toothed margin along one side of the leaves of coontail help to distinguish this from most other submersed aquatic weeds.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Coontail

Ceratophyllum demersum