Hydrilla verticillata

Hydrilla verticillata is native to Asia, Europe, and Africa and is one of the most adaptable submerged aquatic plants known, capable of growing in very low light, across a wide temperature range, and in fresh to slightly brackish water. Its slender stems bear whorls of small, serrated, bright-green leaves that are denser and more compact than those of Egeria, creating a finely textured, bushy mass. In the aquarium it grows very rapidly under even minimal light, making it a superb low-tech oxygenator and water purifier. Its dense growth provides outstanding cover and spawning habitat for small fish and invertebrates. Regular trimming prevents it from overwhelming the aquarium.