Southern naiad is a submerged aquatic plant with slender stems and leaves that are arranged oppositely or in whorls of three. The leaves are wider at the base, with visible spines along the margins, and often conceal tiny seeds at the leaf axis. This plant thrives in a variety of water conditions and frequently grows in thick, dense beds that can be difficult to control. While it provides habitat and food for fish and waterfowl, excessive growth can interfere with water flow, recreation, and native vegetation, sometimes requiring management to maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem.