coon's tail
Ceratophyllum demersum
USDA zones5 to 11
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterNeeds moist soil
Size0 inches to 10 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red , pink , yellow
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a perennial for low maintenance garden ponds. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and moist, loamy or clay soil. It is brittle, rootless, and entirely submerged. It works as an oxygenator in garden ponds. It also gives small fishes and aquatic invertebrates a place to shelter.
Pairs well with Northwind switchgrass, Autumn fern, and Aureola Japanese forest grass.
Native range
AK, AL, AR, AZ, and 55 more places. See all 59
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY; AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC, and SK.