Elodea plants are native to the New World, though a number of species have established themselves as invasive species in ponds and quiet waterways. Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis), for example, has naturalized in Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe and is an obstacle to lake navigation in many areas.

Where is the elodea originally from?

South America

Origin and Spread



Brazilian elodea is native to South America. It is commonly imported and sold by the aquarium and water garden trades (often sold as “Anacharis”), leading to the potential for illegal release into the wild. The first report of Brazilian elodea in the United States was in New York in 1893.

Does elodea live in freshwater?

Elodea is a freshwater plant commonly used for aquariums and it can be purchased at most pet stores. The leaves of Elodea are only two cells thick and are ideal for the microscopic study of the effects of osmotic solutions.

Does elodea grow in the ocean?

Elodea is a popular, perennial water plant that grows easily in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and aquariums worldwide.

Is elodea native to UK?

Canadian Waterweed, Elodea canadensis, and Nuttall’s Waterweed, Elodea nuttallii, are aquatic invasive non-native species now found throughout the UK. They live in freshwater as perennial, submerged waterweeds and although they produce small white flowers they only reproduce vegetatively as all plants are female.

Can humans eat Elodea?

But you can buy it as a dried powder to add to soups and stews and smoothies.

Can you eat Elodea?

There are no edible uses listed for Elodea canadensis.

Can you grow Elodea?

Keep the habitat at temperatures ranging from 50 to 77° F for Egeria densa, and 45-65°F for Elodea canadensis. Your container should be large enough to submerge the entirety of the Elodea in treated water. Elodea can grow if it is free floating, but it does grow more vigorously if it is rooted in a substrate.

How do you grow Elodea in a pond?

The easiest way to grow anacharis is to drop them onto the surface of your pond or aquarium. Alternatively, anacharis can survive planting depths up to 4m (13ft). To plant underwater, remove the bottom 2.5cm (1in) of leaves and tuck the plant into the bottom sediment.