Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a free-floating submersed plant without any roots. They are found all over the world growing in sluggish water. Sometimes they are loosely anchored in the mud. Coontail draws its nutrients from the water directly rather than from sediment like most rooted aquatic plants. It can survive in cool waters and low light. During the winter months, it lives under the ice as an evergreen plant and resumes rapid growth in the spring. Many people place coontails in their ponds to give protection and shade for fish.

Coontail

Coontail Identification:

• Dark green forking leaves, up to 1 2 inches in length arranged in whorls on the stem
  

• Submersed plant without roots
  
• Plants may be bushy or very long and sparse
  
• Feathery leaves on the stem resemble a raccoons tail. The stems can be 1 to 2 feet in length.
  
• The leaf has small teeth on the midribs which make it rough to the touch
  
• It has very small flowers which are rarely seen