Aquatic Plant Identification

Floating on Water

There are many plants that float in the water. This category includes both algae and higher plants, free-floating and rooted plants. Floating plants can dominate the water surface and create problems for the ecosystem and users alike. Unlike emergent plants, Floating Plants require some level of standing water. These plants provide essential habitat and food for many aquatic organisms.

On the Shoreline

Commonly called Emergent Plants these plants start growing under the water. They quickly break the water surface and mature with most of the plant above the water. These plants prefer standing water but are tolerant of fluctuating moisture and periods of drought. These plants provide essential habitat and food for many aquatic organisms.

Underwater

Submerged plants, or plants that grow underwater, are tolerant of fluctuating water levels but require some standing water for every stage of their life cycle. These plants spend almost all of their life cycle under the water surface. The most common exceptions are the plants grow flowering parts above the water surface. The plants provide essential food and habitat to other aquatic organisms. Submerged plants also play a vital role in nutrient recycling, sediment stabilization, and erosion control.