Bay Grasses Identification Key
Simple Leaves
Carefully count the number of leaves in each whorl on the stem in at least 10 places. Be careful not to count at spots where the stem branches off. The three species here can be very difficult to tell apart. If everything doesn't fit, don't be too certain about what species you have found.
Hydrilla |
Brazilian elodea |
Elodea, Common Waterweed |
| Most whorls have 5 leaves, but some may have 4. The leaves have teeth that are easily visible. If you collected roots, there may be some swollen root parts (tubers) sort of like little SAV potatoes! | Most whorls have 4 leaves, but some may have 5 or 3. Some of the leaves are >3 mm (1/8 inch) wide. The whorls near the tips of this plant tend to be very tightly bunched. The leaves may have teeth, but they are very small and difficult to see. | Most whorls have 3 leaves, but some may have 4. All of the leaves are less than 3 mm (1/8 inch) wide. The leaves have teeth, but they are very small and difficult to see. |
If you don't think your plant is represented above try going back a level and choosing again.