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Chara and Nitella

Common Names: Muskgrass, Stonewort

Description: Advanced forms of algae, gray-green or yellow in appearance. They are often mistaken for higher vascular plants. Best way to identify it is by its musky odor and gritty, bristly feel due to calcium deposits on its surface. Leaf like structures are whorled about the stem at fairly uniform intervals. Hollow stem on chara. Dense growths, attached but not rooted, may cover entire bottom of pond or lake. Water in vicinity is usually clear.

Note: Drawing is used with permission from the Center for Aquatic Plants, University of Florida. Drawing cannot be copied without permission from the Center. Descriptions are from the book "How to Identify and Control Water Weeds and Algae", Edited by James C. Schmidt, 5th edition revised 1998, copyright 1976 Applied Biochemists.

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