Stem: The slender, limp and branched stem is up to 2 m long and easily broken.

Flower: Inconspicuous, tiny (2-3 mm) flowers are located in clusters at the base of the leaves. Male and female flowers occur separately on the same plant. Water-nymph pollen is transported by water currents.

Fruit: The small, oval-shaped fruit is located in the leaf bases. Each fruit contains one seed that is about 3 mm long. The fruit surface is smooth and glossy in slender water-nymph and is dull and pitted in common water-nymph. The fruits are present in late summer.

Root: Fibrous.

Propagation: Seeds, plant fragments.

Importance of plant: The entire plant is eaten by waterfowl. Water-nymphs are considered to be one of their most important food sources. They also provide shelter for small fish and insects.

Distribution: Slender: northern North America and northern Europe. Common: southern North America, Central and South America. In Washington, slender water-nymph is the more common species, but common water-nymph has been reported.

Habitat: Ponds, lakes and sluggish streams to depths of 4 m. Slender water-nymph tolerates brackish conditions.

May be confused with: The broad sheathing leaf bases and the opposite leaf arrangement help to distinguish the water-nymphs from other submersed species such as nitella (Nitella), water-starwort (Callitriche), muskgrass (Chara), and thin-leaved pondweeds (Potamogeton). Examination of seed characteristics is the only reliable method of distinguishing between slender and common water-nymph.

Photographs: Najas flexilis photograph, Najas guadalupensis photo 

Line Drawings: Najas guadalupensis