Naiads
Najas spp.
Naiads are underwater grasses with short, narrow leaves along slender, branching stems. Both native and nonnative naiads grow in non-tidal fresh waters and brackish tidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.
Appearance
Four species of naiads can be found in the Chesapeake Bay region:
- Spiny naiad (Najas minor)
- Southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis)
- Slender naiad (Najas gracillima)
- Northern naiad (Najas flexilis)
Naiads have slender, branching stems and short, narrow leaves. Leaves have pointed tips and a broadened base. Their leaves grow opposite each other or in whorls along each stem. Their small, fibrous roots have no rhizomes or tubers. The spiny naiad has stiff, curved leaves with visible teeth along the edges. The southern naiad has flat, straight leaves that are wider than other naiads’ leaves.
Predators
Migratory waterfowl such as mallards, pintails and lesser scaup feed on southern naiad and northern naiad. Slender naiad is not nutritious enough for waterfowl.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Naiads reproduce sexually. Each plant has both male and female flowers. After the flowers are pollinated, seeds form in late summer. Seeds germinate and grow into new plants the following spring.
Did You Know?
- Southern naiad is also known as bushy pondweed and water nymph.
- Migratory waterfowl such as mallards, pintails and lesser scaup feed on southern naiad and northern naiad. Slender naiad is not nutritious enough for waterfowl.
- Although spiny naiad is not native to the Chesapeake Bay region, it is not considered invasive.
- Northern naiads are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and increased pollution.
Sources and Additional Information
- Underwater Grasses in Chesapeake Bay & Mid-Atlantic Coastal Waters by Maryland Sea Grant
- Life in the Chesapeake Bay by Alice Jane Lippson and Robert L. Lippson
- Bay Grass Key: Naiads – Maryland Department of Natural Resources