Meet duckweed—the world’s smallest flowering plant and one of nature’s overachievers. These tiny green dots float on still waters like ponds and marshes, often forming a bright green blanket on the surface.
Three types: In Minnesota there are two species of true duckweeds with two and three oval shaped leaves (fronds) and a single root that hangs beneath. There is also a separate, single leaf species called watermeal.
Mini blooms: Though rare, duckweed can produce the tiniest flowers in the plant kingdom.
Fast grower: It can double in size in just two or three days, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on
the planet.
Animal favorite: Ducks, fish and frogs love duckweed for food and shelter. It’s like a floating buffet.
Small but mighty: It may be small, but duckweed can quickly take over a pond. Limit nutrient runoff, join Adopt-a-Drain and plant a native buffer along shorelines to help keep ponds balanced and healthy. Visit blm.mn/adopt-a-drain.
Next time you spot a green pond, look closer. You may be looking at duckweed, the little plant with a big impact.
