Cabomba caroliniana (Carolina Fanwort) is a submerged aquatic plant native to streams and ponds in the southeastern United States. It grows densely in shallow water, usually less than 3 m deep. It has fine threadlike leaves, spreading out in a fan-like pattern. and bears small 5-petaled flowers on emergent stalks. It was thought to range north to Virginia or New Jersey, and west to Ohio and Texas, but rapidly spread north and west in the 20th century, Carolina Fanwort was frequently cultivated in aquariums and water gardens. It was collected in Washington DC and Maryland in 1879, in the Delaware River in 1923, and Lake Ontario in 1948. On the West Coast, it was collected in Oregon, in Columbia River sloughs, in 1962, and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 1988. This plant is regarded as locally invasive, and its sale is banned or discouraged in many states, and some countries. However, genetic studies indicate multiple populations sources, so this species may be more widely dispersed with trailered boats and fishing gear. Cabomba caroliniana has been introduced to some Europe Union countries,. Australia, New Guinea and Japan.