Floating Weeds

These plants either float freely on the surface deriving their nutrients directly from the water via root systems or cell wall interactions.  True Floating Plants are not attached to the bottom. Floating plants come in sizes from very small (duckweed) to over a foot in diameter (water hyacinth). Most have roots that hang in the water from the floating green portions.

Floating plants have leaves that float on the surface and are not rooted in the bottom sediment. Common species include:

Submerged Plants

These plants are completely underwater and are generally rooted in the bottom sediment. If flowers exist, they may extend above the surface of the water. One discerning characteristic of submerged plants is their flaccid or soft stems, which is why they do not usually rise above the water's surface. Common species include:

Emergent Plants

These plants grow in shallow areas of lakes, ponds, rivers, and ditches. Generally rigid, these plants do not need water for support. Some of emergent plants are not considered truly aquatic but can survive submerged in water or in saturated soils for extended periods of time. Common species include:

Algae

Closely related to fungi, the algae consist of over 17,000 different species. Algae are very primitive plants. Some algae are microscopic (Planktonic algae), others are thin and stringy or hair-like (Filamentous Algae), while still others are large and resemble higher plants but without true roots (chara). The three main types of algae are:

Plant Identification

Aquatic plants are a vital part of any lake or pond. They convert sunlight and chemical elements into living plant tissue. Fish, waterfowl, insects, mammals, and microscopic animals use the plants for food. Plants also replenish the aquatic environment with oxygen, which is essential to aquatic animals. Additionally, rooted plants create a varied aquatic environment in which fish food organisms reside. They also provide cover for spawning fish, nesting waterfowl, shoreline mammals, and their young.

Although they are important to the aquatic environment, plants frequently conflict with recreational and economical interests. A need, therefore, exists for proper aquatic plant management to ensure that the natural environment and human interests are mutually protected. Below you will find links to information on aquatic plant management and identification:

Online Manuals for Lake Management

Plant Identification Categories

Identify Your Water Weed