Zostera sp.
Eel-grass, Eel-Grass
Family: Zosteraceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Zostera sp. (Eel-grass) is a non-native California perennial in the Zosteraceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Phyllospadix: Zostera grows in calm bay mud/sand; Phyllospadix grows on wave-swept rocks.; vs Vallisneria: Zostera is marine in saltwater bays; Vallisneria is freshwater in lakes/streams.; vs Ulva: Zostera has narrow ribbon leaves; Ulva is broad sheet-like or lettuce-like green algae.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zostera sp. native to California?
No. Zostera sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Zostera sp. belong to?
Zostera sp. is in the Zosteraceae family, genus Zostera.
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.