Dwarf Chain Sword (Helanthium tenellum) or Dwarf Saggitaria

The dwarf chain sword (Helanthium tenellum, formerly Echinodorus tenellus) is a popular, easy-to-grow freshwater carpeting plant native to North and South America. With bright green, grass-like blades, it typically grows up to 4 inches tall and spreads quickly via runners to form a dense underwater lawn. Or, this might be dwarf saggitaria. Either way, it spreads quickly horizontally by runners, but only to a limited height vertically, and it’s a lovely bright green. CO2 is not required and I’m not using it. $5 gets you the mini-pot pictured, with all the plants pictured, in Walstad-style layered substrate. Pickup only, by appointment. Various aquarium “pests” and algae may come with your plants, but I have recently eradicated planaria from all of my tanks.