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Duckweed

Lemna

  • Scientific Name:

    Lemna spp.
  • Aquatic

  • Native

Description

Duckweed refers to multiple species of the genera Lemnaceae that are difficult to differentiate. The plants consist of one to several small, oval-shaped, green, floating leaves. Leaf sizes vary by species, but most are smaller than a pencil eraser. The plants appear as a pale green or dirty brown layer of algae-like plants covering a body of stagnant or slow-moving water. 

Range and Habitat

Found throughout Louisiana in still or slow-flowing freshwater systems. 

Behavior

Free-floating leaves found at or just below the water surface. Often found growing with other aquatic plants in open water due to its small size. Can easily become a nuisance due to its quick reproduction; it can cover a waterbody, preventing sunlight from entering the water column.