Duckweed

Description

Duckweed is a small, free-floating plant with flat, light green, leaf-like fronds. These oval or elliptical fronds are 1/10 to 1/8 inch long with one prominent root below. Fronds occur singly or in clusters of 2 to 4. They flower infrequently and the small flowers are rarely seen. Because the various species are difficult to distinguish, identification is usually only to the generic level.

Habitat

Duckweed is native to North America and grows in protected ditches, creeks, marshes, swamps and lakes. This species often occurs with giant duckweed and watermeal, forming thick mats that may occasionally prevent recreational use of reservoirs or clog water intakes. Several species of duckweed are found throughout the Tennessee Valley region in swamps, ponds and on surface mats of Eurasian watermilfoil in lakes and reservoirs. Duckweed is a good food source for many duck species.

Identifying Features

What It Looks Like—Individual duckweed plants have 1 to 3 tiny (less than 1/8 inch) leaves and one root per leaf.

Where to Find It—Duckweed prefers quiet backwater areas but will travel almost anywhere depending on wind direction and current.

Similar Species—Duckweed is similar to watermeal, but duckweed has a root (one per leaf, while watermeal has smaller leaves and no visible roots.

Drawbacks

Duckweed seldom produces any problems with water use on the reservoir level.