<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT"%> <% Dim Repeat1__numRows Repeat1__numRows = -1 Dim Repeat1__index Repeat1__index = 0 Recordset1_numRows = Recordset1_numRows + Repeat1__numRows %> Plant ID
Adirondack Park Agency Adirondack Nature Conservancy Paul Smith's College NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Adirondack Park Agency Adirondack Nature Conservancy
 

Plant Identification

Fanwort
(Cabomba caroliniana)


Fact sheet
Click images for larger view
Click to Enlarge
Fanwort is a submerged aquatic plant. It has been observed only in the southeastern part of the Adirondack Park in Jenny, Hunt, and Efner Lakes.

Fanwort closely resembles several native aquatic plants, particularly Bladderwort, Water Marigold, and Buttercup. These identification techniques will help to distinguish fanwort from other aquatic plants.

  • Fanwort is a rooted plant with a gelatinous, slimy stem and two kinds of leaves - submerged and floating.

  • The submerged leaves of fanwort are opposite and fan-like. It has a few floating leaves that are alternate and linear. The native plants that look like fanwort have different leaf arrangements. (Refer to line drawing below)

  • In the fall, flowers are small and whitish-pink.

Fanwort
Photo provided by NYSDEC Lake Services Section

Many native plants have characteristics that resemble those of invasive aquatic plants. To identify an aquatic plant, begin by observing leaf types and how the leaves are arranged on the plants. Also note any other structures the plant may have such as flowers, fruits, bladders, and root structures.

Leaf Arrangements of Fanwort Lookalikes
Click to Enlarge

 

Native Water Marigold
Click to Enlarge  Click to Enlarge  Click to Enlarge
Photos provided by Gordon Keyes © 2002
Click to Enlarge
Fanwort
Aquatic Plant Information System CD - Rom
Army Corps of Engineers