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Tapegrass

Vallisneria spiralis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Alismatales
Family:
Hydrocharitaceae (Naiad)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
1 metre long
Habitats:
Ponds, water.

Flower:
֍
White, 3 petals
 
Flowers are tiny and rarely seen. They are very long-stalked and whitish. Water pollinated.
Fruit:
A banana-shaped capsule, 4mm wide. Numerous seeds per fruit.
Leaves:
Long, ribbon-like leaves. Variable in colour, ranging from pale green to reddish-green. An evergreen perennial.
Other Names:
Celery Grass, Eel Grass, Eelgrass, Straight Vallisneria, Tape Grass, Tapegrass, Water Celery, Wild Celery.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Other Information

Summary

Vallisneria spiralis, commonly known as eelgrass or tape grass, is a species of aquatic plant that belongs to the Hydrocharitaceae family. It is native to freshwater habitats in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a submerged aquatic perennial plant, growing in long and narrow leaves that are typically green or light green, can reach up to 2 meters in length. It has small, inconspicuous flowers that are produced on spikes and are pollinated by wind. It is commonly used in aquaria and ponds as a decorative plant, and it is also used to provide cover for fish and other aquatic animals. Eelgrass is an important species for the aquatic environment, it provides habitat for fish and invertebrates, improves water quality by removing nutrients, and stabilize shorelines by reducing wave energy.

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Tapegrass, also known as Vallisneria spiralis, is a freshwater aquatic plant that is widely used in aquariums and ponds. It is a species of the Vallisneria genus, which is native to North America, Asia, and Australia. Tapegrass is highly valued for its ability to provide a natural habitat for aquatic creatures and its beauty as an ornamental plant.

One of the most remarkable features of Tapegrass is its long, ribbon-like leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. These leaves are a vibrant green color, adding a pop of color to any aquarium or pond. Additionally, the leaves are often spiraled or curled, giving the plant its name “Vallisneria spiralis.”

Tapegrass is not only beautiful, but it also provides important benefits for aquatic ecosystems. Its leaves serve as a natural habitat for small fish and other aquatic creatures, providing a place for them to hide and forage for food. The plant also helps to improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients and reducing the amount of algae in the water.

Tapegrass is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts and pond owners. It is relatively easy to care for, as it only requires adequate lighting and a sufficient amount of nutrients in the water. The plant will thrive in most types of aquariums and ponds, as long as the water is clean and the temperature is kept within the appropriate range.

If you are looking to add a pop of color and improve the health of your aquarium or pond, consider adding Tapegrass. This beautiful and versatile plant is sure to enhance the look of your aquatic environment while providing important benefits for the health of its inhabitants.

Tapegrass is also a great option for those looking to create a natural-looking aquarium or pond. The plant’s ribbon-like leaves create a natural and flowing appearance, mimicking the look of underwater foliage found in the wild. In addition, Tapegrass produces small white or yellow flowers that rise above the water surface, adding an extra touch of beauty to your aquarium or pond.

Another benefit of Tapegrass is its ability to help control unwanted aquatic plants. This is because Tapegrass is a fast-growing plant that will quickly spread and outcompete other plants in your aquarium or pond. By doing so, it helps to reduce the growth of algae and other unwanted plants, allowing you to maintain a clean and healthy aquatic environment.

Tapegrass is also a great option for those looking to create a wildlife-friendly pond. The plant provides a habitat for aquatic insects, such as damselflies and dragonflies, as well as other creatures like frogs and newts. By providing a habitat for these creatures, Tapegrass can help to improve the overall health and diversity of your pond ecosystem.

When it comes to planting Tapegrass, there are several methods you can use. Some hobbyists choose to simply place the plant in their aquarium or pond, allowing it to float freely and spread on its own. Others choose to plant Tapegrass directly into the substrate, which allows for a more controlled spread and can also help to anchor the plant in place.

Tapegrass is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and healthy aquarium or pond. Its ease of care, beauty, and ability to improve water quality make it a must-have for any aquatic setup. Whether you are looking to create a natural-looking environment, control unwanted plants, or provide a habitat for aquatic creatures, Tapegrass is the perfect choice.

It is also important to note that Tapegrass can be propagated easily, allowing you to increase your plant population without having to purchase new plants. Propagation can be done by dividing the plant’s runners or by taking stem cuttings. This not only helps to create a fuller and more lush appearance, but it also ensures that you always have a backup in case of any accidental damage to the plant.

It is also important to regularly maintain your Tapegrass plants by removing any dead or yellowed leaves. This not only helps to keep the plant looking its best, but it also reduces the amount of organic matter in the water, which can help to improve water quality.

One potential issue with Tapegrass is that it can grow rapidly and take over an aquarium or pond if not controlled. To prevent this, it is important to regularly trim the plant back and remove any excess growth. This will help to keep the plant in check and prevent it from overwhelming your aquarium or pond.

In conclusion, Tapegrass is a versatile and highly beneficial plant that is well worth considering for your aquarium or pond. Whether you are looking to create a beautiful and natural-looking environment, improve water quality, or provide a habitat for aquatic creatures, Tapegrass is an excellent choice. So why not add some Tapegrass to your aquatic setup today and enjoy the benefits that this amazing plant has to offer!


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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