Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Plants That Grow in Freshwater

...
THE LILY PAD image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com

Plants that grow in freshwater help keep water clean by stabilizing the bottom surface of ponds, rivers and lakes. They are often used for ornamental purposes in home ponds as well as aquariums. However, some plants that grow in freshwater have few natural enemies, grow quickly and can overwhelm a natural ecosystem, interfering with water recreation and wildlife.

Elodea

Elodea (Anacharis canadensis) is a cold-hardy water plant that grows floating freely just below the water surface. It is considered an oxygenating plant and grows rapidly, providing cover for small fish. Other names of Elodea are ditch moss or water thyme. It is often used by aquarium hobbyists.

  • Plants that grow in freshwater help keep water clean by stabilizing the bottom surface of ponds, rivers and lakes.
  • It is considered an oxygenating plant and grows rapidly, providing cover for small fish.

Corkscrew Val

Corkscrew val (Valisneria Americana) has interesting, long, bright green leaves that form a twisted corkscrew appearance. It spreads by undergound runners and remains rooted in the bottom of the body of water.

Hornwort

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is native to Australia and is another freshwater plant often used in aquariums because it produces oxygen when exposed to light. It can grow floating freely in water. When exposed to mud or gravel it produces modified leaves rather than roots that anchor it to the bottom. Hornwort has the ability to control algae in aquariums or waterways because it releases a chemical that prevents algae from growing.

Water Milfoil

Water milfoil (Myriophyllum sp.) is another popular aquarium plant that show up in bodies of water. Also known as foxtail, water milfoil is more tolerant of colder water conditions than many other freshwater plants. It has a feathery appearance and remains rooted to the bottom with the branches reaching up toward the surface. It is a good plant for collecting dirt and debris that flows into a waterway.

  • Corkscrew val (Valisneria Americana) has interesting, long, bright green leaves that form a twisted corkscrew appearance.
  • Hornwort has the ability to control algae in aquariums or waterways because it releases a chemical that prevents algae from growing.

Water Lily

The water lily (Nymphaea odorata) grows rooted into the bottom of slow-moving rivers and ponds that remain at a stable water level. The stems grow toward the light and the main leaf, or lily pad, spreads out over the surface of the water. The water lily is probably one of the best known freshwater plants and produces colorful and, in some cases, fragrant blooms. Another name for the water lily plant is beaver root.

Hydrilla

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is an invasive freshwater plant that forms thick mats below the surface of the water. It was introduced into waterways by aquarium hobbyists. It interferes with wildlife reproduction and water recreation. It can float freely and spread over a large area or remain rooted to the bottom and grow as much as 2 feet per day or, in ideal conditions, up to 25 feet.

  • The water lily (Nymphaea odorata) grows rooted into the bottom of slow-moving rivers and ponds that remain at a stable water level.

Related Articles

Plants That Live in the River
Plants That Live in the River
What Does the Water Plant Elodea Need to Survive?
What Does the Water Plant Elodea Need to Survive?
Plants in a Pond Ecosystem
Plants in a Pond Ecosystem
List of Marine Water Plants
List of Marine Water Plants
Facts on Duckweed
Facts on Duckweed
Which Plants Grow in Ponds?
Which Plants Grow in Ponds?
Plants That Live in Streams
Plants That Live in Streams
How to Propagate Water Lilies From Leaves
How to Propagate Water Lilies From Leaves
Plants in Tropical Oceans
Plants in Tropical Oceans
The Characteristics of a Water Hyacinth
The Characteristics of a Water Hyacinth
Garden Guides
×