Coontail

Ceratophyllum demersum (Coon’s Tail) is a fully submerged, rootless aquatic plant native to Texas and most of North America. With long, floating stems and finely divided, whorled gray-green leaves, it’s a top choice for natural water filtration and oxygenation in garden ponds and aquatic habitats. This brittle, free-floating plant provides excellent shelter for small fish, tadpoles, and aquatic invertebrates, and can help control algae by outcompeting it for nutrients. Low-maintenance and fast-growing, it’s a go-to for eco-conscious pond design.

Scientific Name: Ceratophyllum demersum
Origin: Texas, North America
Native Habitat: Submerged in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams
Height: Floating stems up to 12 feet long
Spread: Varies (free-floating, non-rooted)
Light: Part Shade
Water: High (fully aquatic)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-11
Bloom: Insignificant, but technically blue
Ecological Function: Oxygenator and aquatic shelter