Popular Pond Plants

Floating

• Many floating pond plants do not root in the soil at the bottom of the pond, and remain unattached to other structures in the pond. However, some floating plants root in the soil, which provides an anchor for the plant. Popular floating plants include the water lily (Nymphaea odorata), common duckweed (Lemna minor), bladderwort (Utricularia spp.) and watermeal (Wolffia spp.).

  Pond owners enjoy the showy blooms of many floating plants, but these plants can quickly spread to cover the pond. Both duckweed and watermeal are invasive plants that you must control through manual thinning, reducing nutrient levels in the water or through chemical means.

Algae

• Algae is a valuable food source for aquatic animals in the pond, and helps to reduce the amount of light and other resources that are available to the deeper areas of the pond. The reduction of light and resources keeps the growth of other types of pond plants under control. Too much algae in a pond results in green water and an unattractive appearance.

  Popular and common types of algae include golden-brown algae (Chrysophyta sp. JZH-2007-002), blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) and red algae (Rhodophyta).

Submerged

• Submerged plants are underwater plants that are rooted in soil at the bottom of the pond. They provide food and shelter for fish, frogs and other animals, as well as providing a hunting ground for ducks and waterfowl. Submerged plants help to control the growth of algae and add oxygen to the water.

  Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), coontail (Ceratpphyllum demersum) and water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia) are just a few of the popular submerged plants.

Emergent

• Emergent pond plants root in soil, but the majority of the plant rises above the water's surface. These plants exhibit strong stems and grow tall to provide cover for animals, such as birds, on the surface of the water. Emergent plants usually grow along the edges of the pond, and their height creates a dramatic backdrop and focal point for recreational ponds.

  Cattails (Typha spp.), banana lily (Nymphpoides aquatica), torpedograss (Panicum repens), water primrose (Ludwigia spp.) and reeds (Phragmites australis) are examples of popular emergent pond plants.