Lemna cyclostasa Elliott ex Schleid.
Lemna minima Chevall. ex Schleid.
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Lemna minor L. Common duckweed
Common duckweed is native to Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Lemna means "water-plant" and "minor" means "lesser"—lesser because there is a similar-appearing plant in a different genus and with larger leaves, greater duckweed. Identification: Duckweed forms a nearly continuous mat of tiny green leaves just below the surface of freshwater ponds and slow-moving streams. The leaves are so small that colonies resemble algae or "pond scum" from a distance. Each leaf is oval, 1/32-¼″ (1-8 mm) × 1/32-⅛″ (0.6-5 mm), equipped with tiny air sacs for flotation. Flowers are rare and nearly invisible at about 1/32″ (1 mm) in diameter. Fish and birds benefit from its relatively high fat and protein levels: "duckweed" is named for ducks' preference for this food. Online References:
Earl J.S. Rook's Flora, Fauna, Earth, and Sky ... The Natural History of the Northwoods The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4/7/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
9/4/2018 · J. Harry Rich Forest, Groton, Massachusetts Lemna minor description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
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6/12/2023 · Viles Arboretum, Augusta, Maine
8/13/2010 · ≈ 17 × 12″ (44 × 29 cm)
8/30/2010 · Old RR bed near Wilkins Farm, Pepperell, Massachusetts
8/30/2010 · Old RR bed near Wilkins Farm, Pepperell, Massachusetts · ≈ 17 × 12″ (44 × 29 cm)
6/22/2017 · Garden in the Woods, Framingham, Massachusetts · ≈ 10 × 6″ (24 × 16 cm)
7/23/2010 · Nashua River Boat Ramp on Rte 119, Groton, Massachusetts · ≈ 8 × 12″ (20 × 31 cm) Range: Zones 4-10:
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ID is uncertain 
