Submerged Aquatic Vegetation/ Widgeon Grass

COMMON NAME: Widgeon Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Tassel Pondweed, Sea or Ditch Grass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ruppla maritima

FAMILY: Ruppiaceae

COMMUNITY: Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT:

FLOWERING TIME:

FRUITING TIME: Mid June to October

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout coastal stripe and tidal rivers in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Thread-like leaves, alternate on slender branching stems ~ extensive root system, rhizomes ~ common on sandy substrate

GENERAL INFORMATION: Widgeon Grass is highly valued as a food source for many species of ducks, geese, swans, marsh and shorebirds.  The Widgeon duck is named for its copious consumption of this grass.