Elodea sp.
(c) Hydrocycler (Elizabeth Dougherty), some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hydrocycler (Elizabeth Dougherty) · licence
Family: Hydrocharitaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Elodea sp. is a native California perennial in the Hydrocharitaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Elodea sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Elodea sp. belong to?
Elodea sp. is in the Hydrocharitaceae family, genus Elodea.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.