Branches become more widely spaced further down the central stem. Branches can be rather stiff, and the shape does not collapse when the plant is removed from the water. Individual plants are often connected by common roots. Size 3 to 6 inches. Long pink strands with periodic joints from which feather-like branches erupt.
Strands often divide near the surface to form a thick canopy.
Depths 2 to 25 feet. Individual strands may reach 8 to 10 feet in length. This common aquarium plant has invaded shallow areas in Utah's reservoirs. Flat spear-shaped leaves branch out from the central stalk, then curl downward. Leaves emerge in a spiral pattern from the central stalk, with relatively even spacing from the bottom of the stalk to the tip.