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Cooperative Extension Service |
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Agricultural
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Arbor Day
Dale Bumpers College
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Native Aquatics in the Landscape
Algae refers to a diverse group of aquatic non-vascular plants that can be planktonic, filamentous, or may even resemble higher plants. Planktonic algae blooms are responsible for imparting a "pea-green" color to many ornamental ponds when there is an excess of nutrients and direct sunlight. Biological filtration and ultraviolet sterilization of pond water are commonly used control planktonic algae in ornamental pools. Stringy filamentous algae (Pithophora, etc.) and the multi-cellular macro-algae Chara (muskgrass) are other algal types that can cause problems in both farm ponds and ornamental water gardens. Floating plants consist of duckweeds (Lemna sp.), water meal (Wolffia columbiana), the non-native salvinia species, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), and others. While popular, these plants can overpopulate and cause major problems in many pools, ponds and natural waters. Floating water plants are best suited to smaller container gardens. Submersed plants exist almost entirely underwater, and are sometimes referred to as oxygenating plants. While these plants can provide a certain amount of habitat and spawning substrate for fish, they are often unnecessary and often cause problems for pond owners. Both Anacharis (Egeria densa), and Common Elodea (Elodia canadensis), are non-natives that are commonly sold in aquarium shops and some water garden suppliers. Native alternatives include Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) and Hornwort or Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum). Emergent plants are typically rooted in the pond mud and grow up through the water column and protrude through the waters surface. Water lilies belong to this group and are often considered the focal point of ornamental ponds. The native fragrant water lily (Nymphae odorata) has a white flower and blooms during the morning and early afternoon. Modern cultivars and hybrids flower more often and are easier to contain than the wild variety. Imported tropical varieties are harder to care for, but bloom at night and come in many beautiful colors. Also native to Arkansas waters, but not to be confused with the fragrant water lily is the yellow cow lily or spatterdock (Nuphar lutea). Spatterdock has a smaller yellow flower that is not at all showy. The American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) is another native emergent that thrives in Arkansas. Other native emergent plants include the banana lily or water snowflakes (nymphoides sp.), the pondweeds (potamogeton sp.) water shield (Brasenia schreberi), and others. Marginal aquatic plants often fit the description of emergent plants that are adapted to shallow water and are found (or planted) around the edges of ponds. Some marginal plants even do well in moist soil. Native water pennyworts (Hydrocotyle sp.) do well in shallow water and make a nice transition from water to taller plants around the margin of ponds. Sedges (Carex sp.) and rushes (Scirpus sp.) are important shoreline plants that can be found in virtually any aquatic environment. Other common natives include lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), arrowhead or duck potato (Sagittaria sp.), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), the yellow flowering water primrose (Ludwigia sp.) the primitive scouring rush horsetail (Equisetum sp.) some species of Iris and Canna, swamp lily (Crinum americanum), and various cat-tails (Typha sp.). Many varieties of non-native aquatic and semi-aquatic plants are readily available wherever water garden supplies are sold. While these plants can be quite beautiful and unique additions to the landscape, it is important to remember that there are native aquatics that may serve the same purpose. Always be cautious with any aquatic plant, native or non-native, as most species are aggressive and can easily overpopulate natural ponds and waterways. Aquatic plants are difficult to control and most effective chemical treatments will cost upwards of $250 per acre. Stocking 3 to 5 grass carp or white amur per acre is recommended to keep aquatic vegetation from becoming a problem in farm ponds. For More Information Excellent photos and descriptions of many species of native and non-native aquatic plants can be found at the web site of the University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plant. Aquatic Weed Management information is summarized in the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center fact-sheets "Aquatic Weed Management Control Methods", and "Aquatic Weed Management Herbicides". These publications can be obtained through you local county extension agent or accessed online at Water Gardening reference books are readily available at garden shops and bookstores. A brief introduction to Water Gardens is available through your local county extension agent or online. A comprehensive bulletin entitled "Farm Pond Management for Recreational Fishing" (Arkansas Cooperative Extension Publication No. MP 360), is available through your local county extension agent. This publication covers proper pond construction techniques, all aspects of pond management and various methods of aquatic weed control in earthen farm ponds. By: David Heikes, Extension Fisheries Specialist |
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
Mission
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Arkansas
is home to a wide variety of aquatic plants that can be beautiful as well as
functional additions to the landscape. Many aquatic plants have beautiful
foliage and flowers that can attract birds and butterflies. Aquatic plants can
also provide habitat for fish and amphibians and help to provide a biologically
stable aquatic environment. A basic understanding of aquatic plants is necessary
to keep aquatic plants from turning into aquatic weeds.