Strap-leaf sagittaria
Strap-leaf sagittaria is a rooted submersed plant. It can form tall underwater meadows, especially in cool, clear, swift-flowing springs and streams. This native plant is found throughout central and northern Florida.
Strap-leaf sagittaria has dark green, ribbon-like leaves which arise from a rhizome. The leaves are about three-quarters of an inch wide and are typically 2 to 3 feet long; they may be much longer, or they may be much shorter. The leaves have sharp, pointed tips and have 3 to 5 prominent, parallel ridges that run the entire length of the leaf. Strap-leaf sagittaria flowers grow on brownish-green branched stalks that usually emerge above the water, or lie on the surface. These typical arrowhead flowers are white, with three petals. The flowers of this particular species are about three-quarters of an inch wide. Strap-leaf sagittaria looks very similar to tapegrass, Vallisneria americana, but they easily can be distinguished from each other. Strap-leaf sagittaria has pointed leaf tips and prominent leaf ridges. Tapegrass leaves are rounded at the tips and the leaf veins are not nearly so prominent. Strap-leaf sagittaria has long, ribbon-like leaves. The leaves have pointed tips and 3 to 5 prominent veins. The typical sagittaria flowers are white and three-petaled and have long, emersed stalks. Strap-leaf sagittaria may be confused with tape grass, Vallisneria americana. Compare the leaf tips and the leaf veins.
