Lemna turionifera
Turion duckweed
(c) Kenneth Burdick, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Araceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lemna turionifera (Turion duckweed) is a native California herb in the Araceae family, recognized by key diagnostics are midline bumps and winter bud production.
Turion duckweed is a California native perennial found in northwestern California, Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley, central and southern coastal areas, Peninsular Ranges, Great Basin, and Desert regions in freshwater habitats at elevations below 3,000 meters. Flowering in August, this aquatic plant produces very small, glossy green fronds in clusters of two or three, typically 2 to 5 millimeters long with an elliptical to obovate shape. Growing as a floating aquatic species, it forms dense mats on water surfaces with delicate, shiny green fronds that have a distinctive row of minute bumps along the midline. Its fronds are symmetrical at the base and tip, with an upper surface that is shiny green and a lower surface that is often tinged with reddish coloration. In autumn, the plant develops small winter buds 1 to 2 millimeters long, which are dark green or brown in color.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 6 species; key diagnostics are midline bumps and winter bud production
Habitat and range
Habitat: Freshwater
Elevation: < 3000 m
Outside California: North America, Asia
Bloom period
Lemna turionifera blooms Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Azolla: Lemna is smooth bright green with a single root; Azolla is feathery textured, often reddish, with no visible roots.; vs Callitriche: Lemna floats as separate tiny discs; Callitriche has distinct stems with opposite leaves forming small rosettes.; vs Nasturtium: Lemna is a tiny rootless-looking disc; Nasturtium has obvious stems, compound leaves, and grows rooted in mud.; vs Spirodela: Count the roots: Lemna has exactly one root per disc, Spirodela has multiple roots clustered together beneath each disc.; vs Landoltia: Count the roots: Lemna has one root per disc, Landoltia has 2-7 roots hanging down like a tiny broom.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lemna turionifera native to California?
Yes. Lemna turionifera is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lemna turionifera bloom?
Lemna turionifera blooms Aug.
What plant family does Lemna turionifera belong to?
Lemna turionifera is in the Araceae family, genus Lemna.
What habitat does Lemna turionifera grow in?
Lemna turionifera grows in Freshwater.
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.