Aquatic and Wetland Plants

Florida-Friendly Plants for Stormwater Pond Shorelines

Gail Hansen and Shangchun Hu

A Beginner's Guide to Water Management—Aquatic Plants in Florida Lakes

Florida LAKEWATCH

The Ecology of Charophyte Algae (Charales)

Maximiliano Barbosa, Forrest Lefler, David E. Berthold, and H. Dail Laughinghouse IV

Pondweeds of Florida

Christine Rohal, Laura Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, and Charles Martin

Nelumbo nucifera Lotus, Sacred Lotus

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the Sacred Lotus. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its large, round leaves and fragrant pink or white flowers. The document highlights the plant’s adaptability to various water conditions and its ability to thrive in muddy, murky environments. It also outlines the plant’s cultural and religious significance, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, where it symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, the document notes the plant’s uses in traditional medicine and its potential invasiveness in non-native regions. Original publication date September 1999. 

Nymphaea x 'Attraction' Attraction Hardy Water Lily

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Nymphaea x ‘Attraction’, commonly known as Attraction Hardy Water Lily. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its large, deep rose-red to burgundy flowers and oval-shaped leaves that start as light bronze and mature to deep green. The document highlights the plant’s adaptability to various water conditions and its preference for full sun. It also outlines the plant’s uses in water gardens and ponds, emphasizing its long blooming season from early summer to early fall. Additionally, the document notes that Attraction Hardy Water Lily is suitable for medium to large ponds and can tolerate summer heat better than most red water lilies. Original publication date October 1999.

Freshwater Ornamental Aquatic Plant Production in Florida

Eric J. Cassiano and Lyn A. Gettys

Florida has a unique and diverse aquaculture industry consisting of ornamental fish, food fish, shellfish, alligators, aquatic plants, and more. Although some aquatic plants are produced for food or wetland restoration, most aquatic plant production in Florida is for the water garden and aquarium industries. There are over 1000 different species and varieties of ornamental aquatic plants produced in Florida. Since most ornamental aquatic plants are tropical in origin, Florida’s warm climate makes it ideal for growing them year-round. This publication covers ornamental aquatic plant production in Florida including permitting and licensing, production techniques, farm design, pests and diseases, and marketing. 

Common Wetland and Aquatic Plants of Lake Apopka, Florida (USA)

Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Laura Reynolds, Charles W. Martin, Christine Rohal, Ryan Goebel, and Jodi Slater

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

A Comparison of Planting Techniques for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Laura Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Enrique Latimer, Charles W. Martin, Christine Rohal, and Jodi Slater

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Prevent Erosion in Stormwater Ponds Naturally with Plants

Michelle Atkinson

How Aquatic Plants Help Reduce Erosion in Stormwater Ponds Stormwater ponds play a critical role in managing runoff, improving water quality, and preventing flooding. These ponds are designed to capture rainwater, allowing it to slowly infiltrate the ground or be released into nearby waterways. However, one of the common challenges faced by stormwater ponds is […]

Out of the Weeds: Regulatory Nonnative and Invasive Plant Lists

Christine Krebs

This blog was written by Anelise Bullard, UF/IFAS CAIP communications intern. Nonnative and invasive plant lists help communicate species that are harmful to agriculture, natural resources, and/or ecosystems. Species are listed in order to prevent their spread, limit their impacts, and protect our local ecosystems and economy. There are five lists that many people come […]

Why are plants important to aquatic ecosystems?

Christine Krebs

As Floridians, we love our freshwater resources. Did you know Florida has over 1 million acres of freshwater? That’s about the size of Rhode Island! Many of our fondest memories are of boating, fishing, or water skiing in freshwater systems across the state. Other activities include kayaking our famous spring runs or birdwatching among the […]