Slender naiad  (Najas flexilis)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

The slender naiad is now limited to Scotland in the UK and is most commonly found on western coast islands. It was previously present in the Lake District in England but despite surveys taking place, there has been no record of it in England since 1982 (4) (3). Outside the UK, the slender naiad is present in Ireland, northern Europe and northern North America (2) (4) (3).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

This aquatic plant is found in clear, lowland water bodies such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, heathland pools and canals with low to medium levels of plant nutrients, (2) (4). It can grow in areas with limestone geology, resulting in water rich in lime, and can even tolerate brackish water (3). The water must be between one and four metres deep (2) (3).

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