Emergent Plants
Emergent plants are those that grow above the water’s surface in shallow areas of ponds, lakes, rivers, and irrigation ditches. These plants are typically rigid and do not rely on water for structural support. While many emergent plants are not true aquatic species, they are adapted to thrive in saturated soils and can survive prolonged periods of submersion.
American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea)
American Lotus is distinguished by its circular floating leaves, which have stems attached to the center of the leaf’s underside. The plant produces solitary pale yellow flowers composed of numerous petals.
Floating Heart or Banana Lily (Nympoides Aquatica)
Floating Heart, also known as Banana Lily, is a perennial plant characterized by its leaves, which emerge from “banana-shaped” rhizomes and are supported by long, slender petioles. The floating leaves measure 2 to 6 inches in diameter, are kidney to heart-shaped, and exhibit a yellowish-green color on top with a reddish-purple underside, featuring prominent veins. The plant produces small white flowers in clusters on short stalks that rise above the water’s surface. The fruits are capsule-like and contain numerous seeds. At the end of the growing season, clusters of fleshy, tuber-like roots develop below the flowers.
Spatterdock or Cow Lily (Nuphar Luteum)
Spatterdock, also known as Cow Lily, is a perennial plant with leaves that originate from a large, spongy rhizome. The leaves are roughly heart-shaped, measuring 8 to 16 inches long and 10 inches wide, and can either float on the water’s surface or stand above it on thick, round stalks. The flowers are spiral in shape, featuring 6 to 9 green sepals and yellow petals, and may float on the water or rise above it. The fruits are oval with a flat top, and they are typically greenish or yellowish in color. Spatterdock can propagate through both seeds and rhizomes.
White Water Lily (Nymphaea Odorata)
The White Water Lily is a perennial plant known for forming dense colonies. Its leaves, which arise on flexible stalks from large, thick rhizomes, are more round than heart-shaped, bright green, and measure 6 to 12 inches in diameter with a slit about one-third the length of the leaf. These leaves typically float on the water’s surface. The plant’s flowers, which can either float or extend above the water, feature brilliant white petals (25 or more per flower) with yellow centers. Each flower opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon, emitting a pleasant fragrance. The White Water Lily propagates through both seeds and rhizomes
Water Shield or Dollar Bonnet (Brasenia Schreberi)
Water Shield is a perennial plant characterized by its relatively small, floating leaves that are oval to elliptical in shape, measuring up to 5 inches in diameter, and lacking any slits. The plant is notable for its distinctive gelatinous slime coating the underside of the leaves and stems. The leaves are green on top, while the underside of the leaves and stems are reddish-purple. The stems are attached at the center of the leaves. Water Shield produces small flowers, measuring ½ to ¾ inch, that rise above the surface. These flowers are dull reddish in color and consist of 3 to 4 sepals and petals. Water Shield is typically found in soft, acidic waters and can form large colonies.
