Hobbies And Interests
Cattail
One of the most widespread plants found in freshwater, the cattails are named after their characteristic long brown furry flower spikes that resemble none other than a cat's tail. Cattails themselves can grow up to 9 feet tall and the flower spike often grows as long as a foot. Cattails are commonly found in marshes, but sometimes grow in lakes and rivers. The flattened leaves of the cattail are used to make mats while the flower heads can be baked or steamed and eaten like corn on the cob.
Duckweed
The smallest flowering plant, duckweed is only one millimeter in size. It is found free floating in freshwater that is still, such as ponds. Duckweed has no stem, but rather has a small root with one to three leaves on top. High in protein, this freshwater plant is used in Asian cuisine and as a food base for fish in fish farming. It reproduces rapidly and can cause oxygen depletion in water when it completely covers the surface of a pond for an extended period of time.
Eelgrass
Also known as Water Celery, Eelgrass is a rooted plant found submerged in flowing water. It has long thin leaves that resemble ribbons and grows as long as 6 feet. It is noninvasive and does not crowd out other water plants. Eelgrass serves as a protecting habitat for fish and is also eaten by waterfowl. In Japan, the leaves are harvested for food.
Water Poppy
An aquatic perennial native to Central and South America, the Water Poppy has shiny, deep green, heart-shaped leaves and cupped flowers. The leaves grow between 2 to 4 inches and can grow very quickly in warm climates. Used in ponds to provide shade and a safe haven for fish, the water poppy is enjoyed most because of its charming yellow flowers that grow along the surface. While these flowers only last a day, they bloom in succession over a period of time.
Freshwater Algae
A vital part of every lake ecosystem, algae comes in various shapes and sizes. Some algae are free floating while other species are found attached to rocks and plants. There are thousands of different species throughout the world and each fulfills different functions ecologically. The chlorophyll in green algae is what gives it its color and aids in the photosynthesis some freshwater organisms rely upon. On the other hand, species such as blue-green algae release toxins into the water that can make you sick.