Marsh Ecosystem-Coon-Tail

Coontail (Rigid Hornwort)

Order: Ceratophyllales

Family: Ceratophyllaceae

Genus: Ceratophyllum

Species: C. demersum

General Characteristics: It is a perennial, submerged aquatic, evergreen plant. Its stems are long and trailing. It lacks true roots, may anchor in sediment by modified leaves. The leaf is whorled, stiff, and forks 1-2 times. The edges are toothed with small spine at tip.

Special Adaptations: It can survive in water to greater than 7' deep.