Aquatic and Wetland Plants

Gail Hansen andShangchun Hu
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

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

Christine Rohal, Christine Rohal, Laura K. Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, andCharles W. Martin

This factsheet describes the defining characteristics of the eleven pondweed species that are present in Florida. It serves as a pondweed identification guide for aquatic habitat managers, lake monitors, conservationists, and plant enthusiasts, and it gives some context on each species' life history and ecological role.

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. 

Other Contacts: Mark V. Hoyer andElizabeth Moreau

This circular represents a summary of current knowledge on aquatic plants and aquatic plant management strategies, highlighting the Florida situation. The major focus of this circular is the management of aquatic plants as opposed to dealing with nutrients, algae, or water clarity. Included are sections on 1) Aquatic Plant Biology, 2) Aquatic Plant Management Problems, and 3) Aquatic Plant Management Techniques.

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.

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. 

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