Species PlantsCarolina Fanwort

Carolina Fanwort

Cabomba caroliniana

CommonPlant
Illustration of Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)

Carolina Fanwort is an aquatic plant with finely divided, fan-shaped leaves and small white flowers. It is popular in aquariums for its decorative foliage. This species can form dense mats, impacting water flow and light penetration.

Habitat
It grows in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Diet
Provides habitat and food for fish and aquatic invertebrates.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Carolina Fanwort

The best time to see a Carolina Fanwort is June–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,113 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Carolina Fanwort? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Carolina Fanwort sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Carolina Fanwort? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Carolina Fanwort is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Carolina Holly
Carolina Holly
Ilex ambigua
Carolina Horsenettle
Carolina Horsenettle
Solanum carolinense
Carolina Rhododendron
Carolina Rhododendron
Rhododendron minus
Carolina Rose
Carolina Rose
Rosa carolina
Carolina Silverbell
Carolina Silverbell
Halesia carolina
Carolina Spring Beauty
Carolina Spring Beauty
Claytonia caroliniana
Carolina Vetch
Carolina Vetch
Vicia caroliniana
Carolina Wild Petunia
Carolina Wild Petunia
Ruellia caroliniensis