Elodea bifoliata
Two-leaf waterweed
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Family: Hydrocharitaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Elodea bifoliata (Two-leaf waterweed) is a native California herb in the Hydrocharitaceae family, recognized by leaf arrangement and seed hair characteristics.
Two-leaf waterweed is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in shallow waters and streams at elevations of 1,300 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces delicate white flowers on slender underwater stems. Growing with thin, flaccid stems, it forms underwater meadows with distinctive leaf arrangements of two leaves per node. Its leaves are linear to narrowly elliptic, measuring 4.7 to 24.8 millimeters long and less than 2.5 millimeters wide, with rounded tips that sway gently in stream currents. The seeds are small ellipsoid structures densely covered in long hairs, helping the plant disperse and reproduce in aquatic environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by leaf arrangement and seed hair characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shallow waters, streams
Elevation: 1300-1800 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, western United States to Minnesota
Bloom period
Elodea bifoliata blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Myriophyllum: Elodea has simple undivided leaves; Myriophyllum leaves are feathery and divided into thread-like segments.; vs Hydrilla: Elodea has smooth leaf midribs; Hydrilla midribs have tiny prickles underneath.; vs Ceratophyllum: Elodea has simple leaves; Ceratophyllum leaves fork repeatedly into stiff thread-like divisions.; vs Najas: Elodea has 2-7 leaves per node depending on position; Najas has opposite or whorled leaves throughout.; vs Egeria: Elodea leaves are tiny (under 1.5 cm); Egeria leaves are much larger (1.2-4 cm long).
Frequently asked questions
Is Elodea bifoliata native to California?
Yes. Elodea bifoliata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Elodea bifoliata bloom?
Elodea bifoliata blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Elodea bifoliata belong to?
Elodea bifoliata is in the Hydrocharitaceae family, genus Elodea.
What habitat does Elodea bifoliata grow in?
Elodea bifoliata grows in Shallow waters, streams.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.