Freshwater Wetlands/ Little Duckweed

COMMON NAME: Little Duckweed

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Water Lentils

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lemna minor 

FAMILY: Lemnaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native     

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: Floats on water

FLOWERING TIME: Late May to July

FRUITING TIME: June to August

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey outside the Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Plant found in groups of 3 to 5 ~ Thallus (plant body not clearly identified into roots, stems and leaves) round to elliptical or oval, nearly symmetrical, thinner at center, very small (1/10 to 1/5 inch long) ~ antrocyanic (chemical class of water-soluble pigments ranging in color from blue or violet through purple to crimson) ~ Flowers in pouches

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Lemnaceae is commonly called the Duckweed family.  Little Duckweed is the smallest known flowering plant.  It floats on top of water which is sheltered from wind and forms a green blanket.  One “root” dangles in the water from each plant.  New individuals grow from old ones. Little Duckweed provides food for water fowl.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.