American Wildcelery (Vallisneria americana) Ecological Considerations for Restoration

The success of vegetation management programs for waterfowl is dependent on
knowing the physical and physiological requirements of the target species.
Lakes and riverine impoundments that contain an abundance of the American
wildcelery plant (Vallisneria americana) have traditionally been favored by
canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria) and other waterfowl species as feeding
areas during migration. Information on the ecology of V. americana is
summarized to serve as a guide for potential wetland restoration projects.
Because of the geographic diversity and wetland conditions in which V.
americana is found, we have avoided making hard-and-fast conclusions about the
requirements of the plant. Rather, we present as much general information as
possible and provide the sources of more specific information. Vallisneria
americana is a submersed aquatic plant that has management potential.
Techniques are described for transplanting winter buds from one location to
another. Management programs that employ these techniques should define
objectives clearly and evaluate the water regime carefully before initiating a
major effort.