Emergent Aquatic Weeds

Emergent aquatic weeds are plants that grow along the shoreline of ponds and lakes. They are found in shallow waters, have a root system and a stem. Common examples of emergent weeds are Cattails and Bulrushes.

Bulrush

Bulrush has a dark green, hard, triangular stem and does not appear to have leaves. They thrive in shallow water and moist soils and can grow up to 10 feet in height. They have clusters of seeds that grow just below the tip of the stem.

Cattails

One of the most distinctive characteristics of cattails are their flowers. Each cattail possesses thousands of tiny, brown flowers, all tightly compressed into a compact mass on top of their stems. During the late summer and early fall, these structures will begin to come apart, releasing their seeds into the wind as they do.

Reed Grass (Phragmites)

Phragmites grow in shallow water along shorelines and can range in height from 3 to 15 feet. It is a non-native, invasive species of reed grass from Europe. It has a seed head that is fluffy in appearance. It spreads through underground rhizomes and above-ground, horizontal stolons.

Alligator Weed

Alligator Weed is an invasive species of aquatic weed that can grow in both dry and aquatic environments. It possesses a white, papery flower and has short, irregular stems that are hollow, allowing it to easily float. It creates large, dense mats of the plant and can affect swimming areas and boating.

Water Primrose

Creeping Water Primrose is an invasive aquatic plant species that can easily spread over large areas. Leaves range from green to reddish-brown in color with a yellow flower with 4 to 5 petals. It can quickly clog waterways and spread across muddy areas and float on the water of ponds and lakes.

Longroot Smartweed

Longroot Smartweed is found in many parts of the United States. It can have pinkish flowers and grow along shores, in ditches, and in harbors. It features a long, slender leaf and may sometimes grow submerged in the water with only the flowers visible.

Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife grows in a variety of moist soil environments. Flowers range in color from pink-purple to magenta with small, yellow centers. One plant will be made up of many woody stems and produce thick, woody roots. It can grow to reach heights of 3 to 7 feet.