Coontail grows underwater. It has a stem that can grow to 10 feet long, and it attaches to soft river bottoms by weak root-like structures. However, it can get all the nutrients it needs directly from the water and often isn't attached at all to the bottom.
Coontail has rings of tiny leaves that wrap around the stems, which gives the plant its name.
Coontail can become quite abundant in very nutrient-rich waters and in some areas is considered a nuisance. Beds of coontail, however, provide important habitat for young fish, aquatic insects and other aquatic animals.
Cool Fact:
Coontail is a popular aquarium plant partly because it can live floating free in the water.