Vallisneria americana
eel grass

Tape grass is a submersed plant that spreads by runners and sometimes forms tall underwater meadows. Tape grass is common in still and fast-flowing waters.

Tape grass leaves arise in clusters from their roots. They are about one inch wide and can be several feet long. The leaves have rounded tips, and definite raised veins. Single white female flowers grow to the water surface on very long stalks. Tape grass fruit is a banana-like capsule having many tiny seeds.

Tape grass may be confused with strap-leaf sagittaria, Sagittaria kurziana. Compare the leaf tips and the leaf veins.

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