Aquatic Plant Identification in Florida
Are you wondering what is growing in or along your lake or pond? Below, we provide information on how to identify the type of aquatic plants on your property so that you can take the appropriate actions in caring for or removing them. Please note that there are four broad categories of aquatic plants: submersed, floating, emergent, and algae.
Keep in mind that not all aquatic plants are bad. Yes, some, such as hydrilla, fall into the noxious weed category. In fact, hydrilla is a non-native or “exotic” weed species considered quite undesirable. Other plants shown below may be native plants and are only considered undesirable when they are growing out of control or in places they are not wanted. Examples of these native species include cattails, coontail, and water lilies. We often encourage the growth of native aquatic plants because they can provide many benefits, such as wildlife shelter and food, fish and fish food organism cover, absorption of undesirable nutrients, soil stabilization, and even enhanced aesthetics. It’s also important to know that some native aquatic plants are protected and should not be removed.
Before attempting to control or remove any aquatic plants, contact Aquagenix to identify the “good guys” and “bad guys” and make recommendations that will help you with any problems while also protecting the aquatic environment of your valuable lake or pond.
Submersed 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. This group includes many introduced or exotic species that grow prolifically and are considered to be problematic. Theses include hydrilla, Brazilian elodea, slender pondweed, curly-leaf pondweed, slender naiad and Eurasian watermilfoil.
HYDRILLA
Coontail
Curly-leaf Pondweed
SLENDER PONDWEED
Naiad / Southern Naiad
Egeria / Brazilian Elodea
Elodia
Fanwort / Cabomba
Eurasian Watermilfoil
Bladderwort
Chara
Variable-leaf Watermilfoil
Floating Plants
These plants either float freely on the surface, deriving their nutrients directly from the water or they have leaves that float on the surface and are rooted in the bottom sediment. Examples include duckweed, watermeal, azolla, water hyacinth, and water-lily.
Duckweed
Watermeal
Salvinia / Water Fern
Azolla / Mosquito Fern
Variable-leaf / Pondweed
American / Longleaf Pondweed
Frog's Bit
Water Lettuce
Water Hyacinth
Watershield
Spatterdock
Fragrant Water Lilly
Floating Hearts
Emergent
These plants have most or all of their vegetative and flowering parts above the surface of the water or on the shoreline. They grow in shallow areas and banks of lakes, ponds, rivers and ditches. This group is also referred to as shoreline and wetland plants. Generally rigid, these plants do not need water for support. Many are not considered truly aquatic but can survive submerged in water or in saturated soils for extended periods of time. Plants in this category include cattails, alligatorweed, torpedograss, smartweed, purple loosestrife, arrowhead and pickerelweed.
Tape Grass / Vallisneria
Cattails
Arrowhead
Elephant Ear / Wild Tarro
Bog Moss
Pickerelweed
Lizard's Tail
Smartweed
Alligatorweed
Primroses
Water Primrose
(Water) Pennywort / Dollar Weed
Parrot-feather
Water Willow
Maidencane
Spikerushes
Bulrushes
Rushes
Algae
The algae are single-celled or multi-celled plants that lack true supporting or conducting tissues. Many species are commonly called pond scum, moss, or slime. The algae are separated into several groups: plantonic algae is composed of single cells or small colonies and are usually free-floating or suspended in the water column giving a green, brown or even sometimes red color to the water. Filamentous algae is a multi-cellular algae whose cells are attached end to end to form long threads. Macrophytic algae, such as chara and nitella, are larger, multi-branched algae mimicking underwater weeds.
Planktonic Algae
Filamentous Algae
Lyngbya
Chara
Euglena
How to ID Aquatic Plants in Your Pond or Lake
Your pond or lake isn’t just a body of water; it’s an ecosystem. And like any ecosystem, it requires balance. Aquatic plants help achieve and maintain that balance by contributing to oxygenation, providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and enhancing water quality. Of course, not all aquatic vegetation is beneficial. Some species can disrupt the ecosystem, clog waterways, and damage native flora and fauna. This is why it’s beneficial to know exactly what’s growing in your pond or lake.
If you’re unsure whether the plant growing in your water is a friend or foe, follow our tips for identifying aquatic plants, or schedule a consultation with our experts for accurate aquatic vegetation identification.
- Start by observing growth patterns to determine if the plant type is emergent, submerged, or free-floating. Emergent plants like cattails and pickerelweed grow along the water’s edge and stand above the surface. Submersed species, such as hydrilla or coontail, grow entirely underwater, sometimes forming dense mats that choke out other aquatic plant species. Floating plants, like duckweed and water hyacinth, drift freely on the surface, often forming thick layers that block sunlight.
- Examine leaf shape, size, and arrangement. Some plants have broad, round leaves (e.g., lily pads), while others have narrow or feathery leaves. Be sure to note whether the leaves are opposite each other, alternating, or whorled along the stem.
- Take a look at the plant’s stem. Is it rigid, spongy, or hollow? Does the plant even have visible roots?
- If applicable, look at the color, shape, and number of petals. For instance, pickerelweed has spikes of violet-blue flowers, while water lilies have prominent multi-petaled blooms.
By focusing on these characteristics of aquatic plant species, you can often pinpoint the exact type thriving in your pond or lake.
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How We Control Aquatic Weeds
Once we’ve identified the types of aquatic plants growing in your lake or pond, we will recommend a combination of targeted strategies to restore ecological balance and maintain waterbody health. This is especially crucial if we find invasive weeds in the water. Our aquatic weed control solutions include:
Environmentally Friendly Herbicides
We use specially formulated aquatic herbicides to selectively target invasive plants without harming desirable vegetation or aquatic wildlife. Our professionals carefully apply these treatments following rigorous environmental guidelines and at the proper times for the best results.
Mechanical Harvesting
Mechanical harvesting involves cutting, collecting, and removing invasive plants from the water with aquatic weed harvesters or cutters. This method provides immediate visual results and is often used in high-traffic recreational waters. While not always a permanent solution, it helps reduce biomass and can be used in conjunction with other control measures.
Biological Augmentation
With biological augmentation, we introduce beneficial bacteria and enzymes into the water to naturally break down excessive organic matter that fuels invasive growth. It’s a gradual but sustainable method of managing plant overgrowth.
Fish Stocking
Adding herbivorous fish like triploid grass carp can be extremely beneficial in controlling invasive water plants. When stocking fish, we calculate stocking rates precisely to balance effectiveness with ecological impact to make sure that the fish do not overgraze or disrupt native species.
Expert Care for Native Aquatic Plants
Are you looking to enhance your pond or lake with beautiful, beneficial vegetation? Whether you are working on a new aquascaping plan or have recently identified plants you want to help thrive, it’s important to give your aquatic vegetation the proper care. After all, while plants stabilize shorelines, filter pollutants, and provide food and habitat, they can quickly become problematic if left unchecked. Thankfully, our team is here to help with all your aquatic plant management needs.
We carefully assess each plant, recommend selective thinning or removal when necessary, and provide appropriate treatments to support the plant’s growth. When restoration is needed, we also offer planting services that reintroduce healthy native aquatic plant species into your waterbody.
Get Help With Aquatic Vegetation Identification
If you’re worried that your waterbody is being overtaken by invasive weeds, or if you simply want to promote healthier, more diverse aquatic plant life, contact us today. We will help you properly identify the vegetation in your body of water and give you clear, actionable information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Plant Identification
How can I tell if a plant in my pond is invasive?
Start by noting how quickly the plant spreads. Invasive species often form dense mats or cover large areas rapidly. If the plant seems to choke out other vegetation or cover the surface entirely, it may be invasive. Aquagenix can help confirm the identification and suggest treatment options.
Are all aquatic weeds harmful?
Not necessarily. Some plants labeled as weeds may actually provide ecological benefits. It’s important to invest in proper aquatic vegetation identification to determine whether removal is needed or if the plant is serving a purpose.
What tools are used to identify aquatic plants?
Our professionals use a combination of plant keys, photographs, underwater cameras, and laboratory analysis to accurately identify aquatic species.
Is the complete removal of all aquatic plants recommended?
No. Removing all aquatic plants can disrupt the ecological balance. A healthy pond includes a mix of controlled plant life to support wildlife, water quality, and natural filtration.
How can I prevent aquatic weeds from taking over my pond?
Limit nutrient runoff, maintain proper aeration, establish buffer vegetation around the shoreline, and monitor plant growth regularly to catch problems early.
Can you help with large lakes or just small ponds?
We work with waterbodies of all sizes. Whether it’s a private pond or a multi-acre lake, Aquagenix provides scalable aquatic vegetation management solutions tailored to your needs.
Can Aquagenix recommend additional aquatic plants after identifying the ones growing in my pond?
Absolutely! If you hire us for aquatic plant identification in Florida, we can also help you determine which species would be beneficial for enhancing your aquatic ecosystem. Some of our favorite plants for Florida ponds include pickerelweed, duck potato, bulrush, and blue flag.