Coontail is a fully submerged aquatic plant commonly found in hard water across the continental United States. It lacks true roots and freely drifts in the water column, though it can anchor itself in soft sediments. Its dark green, forked leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem, giving it a bushy, coon-tail-like appearance. Coontail can spread aggressively, forming dense underwater mats that interfere with water flow, recreation, and native vegetation. Due to its resilience, controlling coontail can be challenging and may require multiple herbicide applications for effective management.