ExplorePlants

Eelgrass

Zostera marina

Eelgrass is a special underwater plant that grows in the ocean. It provides homes for fish and helps keep the water clean and healthy.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Eelgrass has long, bright green, ribbon-like leaves that form dense underwater meadows. Its thin, flowing blades make it look distinct from stiff seaweeds, swaying gracefully with ocean currents and often appearing as a lush green carpet.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyZosteraceaeGenusZostera
Eelgrass
grasslike trait badgeevergreen trait badgeedible trait badgecoastal trait badge
Eelgrass

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Eelgrass meadows are incredible carbon sinks, storing more CO2 than tropical rainforests!

It's a true underwater flowering plant, making it unique among ocean flora!

Some coastal communities historically wove dried eelgrass into roofs for insulation and building homes.

Tiny marine snails graze on the film of microscopic life that grows on eelgrass blades.

Special abilities

Ability

Ocean's Lung

Eelgrass can photosynthesize underwater, releasing vital oxygen into the ocean for marine life to breathe.

Ability

Rooted Anchor

Eelgrass has strong underground rhizomes that firmly anchor it, preventing erosion and keeping it rooted in shifting sands.

Ability

Wave Buffer

Eelgrass meadows can absorb wave energy, protecting coastlines from storms and reducing erosion.

Measurements & details

Height
50-200 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Water

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always be careful when swimming near plants in the water; they can be slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Eelgrass?

50-200 cm

When does Eelgrass bloom?

Summer

Is Eelgrass edible?

Yes

Is Eelgrass toxic?

None

What is Eelgrass's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Eelgrass pollinated?

Water

Where is Eelgrass usually found?

Coastal areas

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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