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Aquatic and Wetland Plants

Aquatic and wetland plants are adapted to saturated soil, standing water, flowing water, or fully submerged growth.

KindExamplesWhere they grow
Floating plantsDuckweed, water lettuce, salviniaWater surface
Floating-leaved plantsWater lily, lotusRoots in mud, leaves on surface
Submerged plantsEelgrass, hornwort, vallisneriaUnderwater
Marginal plantsIris, rushes, pickerelweed, papyrusPond edges and shallow water
Bog plantsSarracenia, sundew, sphagnum mossAcidic wet soils
Riparian plantsWillows, sedges, reedsStream and wetland edges
Marine plantsSeagrass, kelp, seaweedSaltwater systems

Water plants affect oxygen, shade, nutrients, algae, and habitat. Fast-growing floating plants can become invasive or smother ponds if unmanaged.