Cabomba caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina fanwort, is an aquatic perennial herb native to freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams in both North and South America. It is particularly adapted to warm, acidic, and nutrient-rich waters. In its native range, it often forms dense underwater stands that provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. Carolina fanwort typically has grass-green to olive-green shoots and is characterized by its finely divided, fan-shaped submerged leaves, which give it a distinctive appearance. The plant also produces small, white to pale yellow flowers that float on the water’s surface during the summer months.

Carolina fanwort is valued for its ornamental qualities in aquariums and water gardens, where it can contribute to water oxygenation and provide a natural-looking habitat for aquatic life. However, it requires careful management due to its rapid growth rate and it is invasive in Europe and Australia, forming dense aquatic mats; banned for sale across the European Union. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, and while it can tolerate a range of water conditions, it thrives in still or slow-moving water with a soft, acidic substrate. Gardeners should be aware that Cabomba caroliniana can be sensitive to herbicides and may suffer from yellowing leaves if nutrient levels are not adequate.CC BY-SA 4.0