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Freshwater River Plants

Rivers are natural, meandering streams of water that are considered to be "freshwater" due to their low salinity levels (salt contents). Most rivers ultimately flow out into oceans; however, many also discharge into major lakes and basins. Many varieties of plants thrive in freshwater river ecosystems throughout the world.

Water Lily
- Water lily is the common name for members of the Nymphaeaceae family and also for other unrelated aquatic plants. Plants classified as Nymphaeaceae are freshwater herbs that are distinguished by their fragrant, colorful blossoms and large leaves that are formed in the shape of a plate or shield. Water lilies are found worldwide in varied environments, with large number of species being cultivated in tropical regions. However, some are native to the United States and other temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Water lilies are categorized in the order Nymphaeales, class Magnoliopsida and division Magnoliophyta. Water lilies, pond lilies (spatterdocks) and lotuses are all a part of the same botanical family (Nymphaeaceae).
Pickerelweed
- Pickerelweed is the common name for the botanical family, Pontederiaceae. They are perennial freshwater herbs that are typically found in tropical areas, but are also native in temperate regions of Canada and eastern United States (especially Florida). Pickerelweeds generally grow up to 3 feet in height. The shape of their leaves varies, growing up to 5 inches in width; however they are typically lance-shaped with of violet-blue blossoms. Pickerelweeds are classified in the order Liliales, class Liliopsida and division Magnoliophyta.
Common Waterweed
- Common waterweed, also known as the American waterweed, is the popular name for the genus Elodea and species Elodea canadensis. It is highly prevalent throughout the United States and characterized by its vibrant green, narrow leaves in whorls of three, lack of tubers and thread-like roots. The common waterweed is a perennial plant classified in the order Alismatales and family Hydrocharitaceae.
Hydrilla
- Hydrilla or Hydrilla verticillata is a species and botanical genus native to Africa, Asia and Australia that was introduced to the U.S. during the 1960s. Hydrilla is often mistaken for the common waterweed, but can be distinguished by its white flowers and four or five leaf whorls (as opposed to three) with visible teeth; its tubers look like small potatoes that are attached to its roots. Growing up to 25 feet in height, the hydrilla is a submerged plant with extensive branches that grow close the surface of the water. It is categorized in the order Alismatales and family Hydrocharitaceae.

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