Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray

Carolina Fanwort

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Carolina Fanwort is a native perennial herbaceous aquatic species in the Water-Shield family (Cabombaceae). It can be found in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Carolina Fanwort occurs in ponds and lakes, slow moving streams and rivers, ox bows and canals, and in beaver ponds. Carolina Fanwort has opposite, petiolate, floating or submersed leaves. The submersed leaves are di- or trichotomously branched into linear segments. The floating leaves appear only during flowering. They are sagittate and inconspicuous. Flowers are solitary from the axils of the leaves. The flowers are held above the surface of the water. Each flower has 3 petaloid sepals and 3 petals. The sepals are white or purplish. The petals are similar in color, but with prominent yellow nectar-bearing auricles at their base. The fruit is a leathery follicle with 1-3 ovoid seed. Carolina Fanwort is a popular aquarium and pool plant. It is available from most nurseries selling aquatic plants. Under some circumstances it can become aggressive and clog waterways. The finely dissected leaves provide habitat and cover for many aquatic species. It is a popular species for use as a spawning site for goldfish.--A. Diamond

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Native OBL (NWPL) G3G5 (Global Rank)

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