Aquatic Plants for Arizona Landscape Ponds

Frog's Bit

• Frog's-bit is a perennial aquatic plant with heart-shaped leaves, similar to those of the violet, floating on sturdy stems above or on the water's surface. Purple undersides fade to green as the leaf matures. Small, white flowers bloom in the summer and are roughly one-third the height of the leaves, some even blooming under the water. Macro and micro invertebrates shelter in the dangling roots of this floating aquatic plant. Pond fish in turn feed on these small animals. Like most floating aquatic plants, frog's bit spreads rapidly and should be thinned every two to three years.

Elodea

• A submerged aquatic plant elodea, also known as waterweed, grows to 12 inches long. Tiny leaves grow in sets of three around a main stem and serve as food for many fish and other aquatic animals. Elodea produces small white flowers which float on the water surface throughout the growing season. Elodea can anchor itself into the soil at the bottom of your pond or float freely in the water. This plant helps maintain the oxygen balance in your pond. Elodea also helps maintain a good pH balance in the water, making it a healthy environment for your fish. (see ref #2)

Water Lilies

• The large exotic flowers of the water lily are a elegant addition to any backyard pond. These flowers grow to 6 inches across, bloom in every shade of the rainbow and can be quite fragrant. Large, almost circular, leaves float on the water's surface and provide shelter and shade for aquatic wildlife. Water lilies come in two distinct varieties: tropical and hardy. Both of these varieties will grow in your Arizona water pond. Hardy water lilies can grow in United State Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. Tropical water lilies are not frost-tolerant and grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. See ref #4)