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Coontail

Ceratophyllum demersum

sair-at-OFF-ah-lum (sair-at-oh-FILL-um) dee-MURS-um

Ceratophyllaceae

Native to: Florida native

Florida abundance and distribution: Aquatic weed throughout

Recognition:  Plant resembles a fluffy tail, with feathery leaves, these divided into threadlike segments, each segment with tiny teeth, giving the leaf a rough feeling.

Potentially confused species: Myriophyllum aquaticum, an exotic species, has a similar overall aspect but the leaves are divided into fine pinnate segments resembling a comb or a fish skeleton.

Contributed by: Sarah Lopinot.