flowering plants

eelgrass

Species (common name): Eelgrass

Scientific name: Zostera marina 

Family: Zosteraceae

Phylum: Anthophyta 

Typical size: Up to 60 centimeters in length and 1 to 2 centimeters wide

Depth range: 0 to 10 meters 

Description: Flat and wide green blades. They are light green/white at the base and fade up to dark green at the top. 

Habitat and behavior: Lives from Alaska to Baja California. They grow in protected sandy areas and in shallow water to receive sunlight for photosynthesis. They have many hair-like roots that trap organic carbon and can have a root network that reaches over a mile long. Learn more about the eelgrass habitat here.