SAV Species
While there are many different species of plants around Calvert County and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, no one can argue that Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) is among the most important to the overall health of the Bay. But what is SAV, and what kinds are there?
Hydrilla
(Hydrilla verticillata)
An invasive species in the Bay, and one of the more common types of SAV found in Cocktown Creek. It has a distinct leaf shape, with 'jagged' edges and clusters of five leaves around the stem. This SAV is useful for fish hatcheries and waterfowl food, but tends to be a nuisance due to it's tendency to clump up into large, almost impassible rafts.
(Hydrilla verticillata)
An invasive species in the Bay, and one of the more common types of SAV found in Cocktown Creek. It has a distinct leaf shape, with 'jagged' edges and clusters of five leaves around the stem. This SAV is useful for fish hatcheries and waterfowl food, but tends to be a nuisance due to it's tendency to clump up into large, almost impassible rafts.
Coontail
(Ceratophyllum demersum)
This is a species that has no true roots and is often found floating in the creek. The plants have thin, tiny leaves that are arranged in clusters of ten or more around the stem. Each thin leaf has tiny teeth along one edge. The clusters of leaves are thicker toward the tip of the stems. This plant can be found during the Fall and Spring. Although not eaten by many species of waterfowl, Coontail provides a great hiding place for many different animal species.
(Ceratophyllum demersum)
This is a species that has no true roots and is often found floating in the creek. The plants have thin, tiny leaves that are arranged in clusters of ten or more around the stem. Each thin leaf has tiny teeth along one edge. The clusters of leaves are thicker toward the tip of the stems. This plant can be found during the Fall and Spring. Although not eaten by many species of waterfowl, Coontail provides a great hiding place for many different animal species.
Common Waterweed
(Elodea canadensis)
This plant is somewhat uncommon in Cocktown Creek. Look for small, flattened leaves with smooth edges. The leaves of this plant are arranged in groups of three around the stem and sometimes curl slightly. May be found during both the Fall and Spring seasons. This SAV species has little wildlife value as food, although it can provide shelter for small fish.
(Elodea canadensis)
This plant is somewhat uncommon in Cocktown Creek. Look for small, flattened leaves with smooth edges. The leaves of this plant are arranged in groups of three around the stem and sometimes curl slightly. May be found during both the Fall and Spring seasons. This SAV species has little wildlife value as food, although it can provide shelter for small fish.
Curly Pondweed
(Potamogeton crispus)
This species can be found in Cocktown Creek during the Spring or the Fall seasons. The leaves of the Curly Pondweed are curled along the edges. These plants are often found growing in large clusters. Although not an important food plant for wildlife, Curly Pondweed does provide a habitat for numerous aquatic creatures.
(Potamogeton crispus)
This species can be found in Cocktown Creek during the Spring or the Fall seasons. The leaves of the Curly Pondweed are curled along the edges. These plants are often found growing in large clusters. Although not an important food plant for wildlife, Curly Pondweed does provide a habitat for numerous aquatic creatures.
Wild Celery
(Vallisneria americana)
Until 2002, this SAV was the most abundant variety found in Cocktown Creek in the Fall season. It may occasionally be found growing in the Spring. The leaves are long and flattened. Many students remark that the leaves look like shoelaces. The plants have large root systems that may be white in color. This plant is an important food for ducks and provides shelter for many small fish and for crabs and shrimp.
(Vallisneria americana)
Until 2002, this SAV was the most abundant variety found in Cocktown Creek in the Fall season. It may occasionally be found growing in the Spring. The leaves are long and flattened. Many students remark that the leaves look like shoelaces. The plants have large root systems that may be white in color. This plant is an important food for ducks and provides shelter for many small fish and for crabs and shrimp.
Slender Pondweed
(Potamogeton pusillus)
This SAV species has only been found in Cocktown Creek in the past several years. This plant has long, slender "grass-like" leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. Slender Pondweed is found during the Fall and Spring seasons in Cocktown Creek. The leaves and the seeds of this plant are eaten by waterfowl.
(Potamogeton pusillus)
This SAV species has only been found in Cocktown Creek in the past several years. This plant has long, slender "grass-like" leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. Slender Pondweed is found during the Fall and Spring seasons in Cocktown Creek. The leaves and the seeds of this plant are eaten by waterfowl.
Horned Pondweed
(Zannichellia palustris)
This plant is very similar to Slender Pondweed. One important difference is that the Horned Pondweed has leaves that grow opposite one another along the stem. The Horned Pondweed has small "horn-like" seeds that grow between the leaves and the stem during the early Spring. This species has only been found in Cocktown Creek in the Spring. This plant is eaten by waterfowl.
(Zannichellia palustris)
This plant is very similar to Slender Pondweed. One important difference is that the Horned Pondweed has leaves that grow opposite one another along the stem. The Horned Pondweed has small "horn-like" seeds that grow between the leaves and the stem during the early Spring. This species has only been found in Cocktown Creek in the Spring. This plant is eaten by waterfowl.
Naiad
(Najas sp.)
There are several species of Naiads that may occur in Cocktown Creek. The Naiads are not easy to differentiate from one another and are usually recorded as Naiad species. The Naiads prefer freshwater environments and may be less common or absent during years when the salinity is higher. Some Naiads such as Najas minor or Slender Naiad (which has been found in Cocktown Creek) are considered exotic invasive plants that can be harmful to the environment due to their rapid growth.
(Najas sp.)
There are several species of Naiads that may occur in Cocktown Creek. The Naiads are not easy to differentiate from one another and are usually recorded as Naiad species. The Naiads prefer freshwater environments and may be less common or absent during years when the salinity is higher. Some Naiads such as Najas minor or Slender Naiad (which has been found in Cocktown Creek) are considered exotic invasive plants that can be harmful to the environment due to their rapid growth.