Pond plant ID

Flinster

Just spotted this in the pond.. not planted by me, any ideas? Hope you can see it lol!

Ladybird4

Hi Flinster. Its a bit difficult to see the plant. Is it actually under the water?

Flinster

Yes it seems to have rooted at the bottom about 60cm or so. At first I thought it was hornwort but it’s much looser and the whorls are elongated, it’s very delicate looking!

Flinster

I’m just worried it’s something invasive so want to ID it before it goes mad!

Ladybird4

Could it be this?

Flinster

No I don’t think so. Looking at the photos it appears the leaves are coming of in a whirl of 7, but hard to see I know. Might have to fish some out tomorrow ..

Flinster

Just been out with a torch and got some!

Ladybird4

This?

Flinster

Mom possibly, can’t see how many leaves in each whorl as mine is consistently 7.. looks similar though.. what is it? Please say it isn’t something horrific! I was worried about parrot feather but that is 5 in a whirl so don’t think it’s that!

Ladybird4

Well that plant is an alga called Nitella or Stonewort to give it its common name. It was the nearest I could find to your sample but it may not be that.

Flinster

Thanks Ladybird4, I think it’s the closest match so far! I am assuming this is not a reason for me to panic! I will have a google and a read.