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Parrot Feather
Non-native parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), a non-native plant grows well in calm, cool water. Introduced through the aquarium trade, this plant can be found in at least 26 states throughout the United States.
Pickerelweed
As native pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) drops seed and begins to decay in fall, areas of water will start to open up around the thick stands left over from summer.
Sago Pondweed
Native sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) is among the first grass to appear in the spring. Waterfowl rely on it for food, consuming the whole plant.
Salvinia, Common
Common salvinia (Salvinia minima), a non-native species, rarely overwinters in the TVA system. It grows rapidly in warm weather, forming dense colonies.
Salvinia, Giant
Salvinia, Giant (Salvinia molesta), is a non-native plant. In late spring, it can form floating mats. Giant salvinia thrives in calm, backwater areas.
Slender Pondweed
Slender pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), a native plant, will begin dying back early in fall, opening up space between other plants.
Southern Naiad
Native southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis) will increase growth and begin to top out during summer. Reaching the surface, the plant will begin to flower and continue to bloom through fall.
Spatterdock
The submersed portions of spatterdock (Nuphar advena – formerly N. lutea), a native plant, provide refuge for baitfish and juvenile bass. The stems of spatterdock make excellent spots for predatory species like bass.
Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a non-native plant, will rapidly grow and expand, producing new plants that will result in large floating colonies.
Water Primrose
While most species of water primrose (Ludwigia sp.) are native to the region, Ludwigia hexapetala, Uruguayan water primrose, is non-native. Once water primrose reaches the surface, it will rapidly spread out across the water's surface, forming interwoven, impenetrable mats.
Water Stargrass
Water Stargrass (Heteranthera dubia) Bright yellow star blooms just over the water surface make water stargrass easy to identify.
Watermeal
Watermeal (Wolffia columbiana), is a native species. Individual plants are barely visible to the human eye, but colonies can cover the water’s surface.
Watershield
Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), a native plant, beings to grow from an existing root system in late spring, sending up slime-covered leaves that eventually reach the water’s surface.
Water-Willow
Native water-willow (Justicia americana) flowers in early summer through fall. It creates shoreline habitat for invertebrates and attracts various fish species.
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We're always looking for more information about aquatic plants on TVA reservoirs. Let us know where and what you see, and send us your photos. Email us.
Water Primrose
While most species of water primrose (Ludwigia sp.) are native to the region, Ludwigia hexapetala, Uruguayan water primrose, is non-native. Once water primrose reaches the surface, it will rapidly spread out across the water's surface, forming interwoven, impenetrable mats.
Pickerelweed
As native pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) drops seed and begins to decay in fall, areas of water will start to open up around the thick stands left over from summer.
Giant Cut Grass
The large seed head of the native giant cut grass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) releases seed into the water during fall as leaves will begin to die off and decay.
Common Cattail
Waterfowl and other shoreline birds eat the seeds of the native common cattail (Typha latifolia) and use the plant for nesting.
Alligator Weed
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), non-native. emerges from shoreline and near-shore areas in spring, vertical stems begin to spread along the water’s surface, forming an interwoven mat.
Watershield
Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), a native plant, beings to grow from an existing root system in late spring, sending up slime-covered leaves that eventually reach the water’s surface.
Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a non-native plant, will rapidly grow and expand, producing new plants that will result in large floating colonies.
Spatterdock
The submersed portions of spatterdock (Nuphar advena – formerly N. lutea), a native plant, provide refuge for baitfish and juvenile bass. The stems of spatterdock make excellent spots for predatory species like bass.
Mosquito Fern
Mosquito Fern (Azolla caroliniana), native. may not be visible to the naked eye during early growth. Colonies become more apparent by late summer, growing thicker through fall.
Salvinia, Giant
Salvinia, Giant (Salvinia molesta), is a non-native plant. In late spring, it can form floating mats. Giant salvinia thrives in calm, backwater areas.
Frog's Bit
Frog's Bit (Limnobium spongia), a native plant, will likely go unnoticed in spring as the perennial grows back from overwintering buds, floating to the water surface to sprout new growth. Mature plants provide perfect cover for bass to ambush their prey.
Fragrant Waterlily
In early spring, patches of freshly sprouted fragrant waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), a native plant, can be some of the only vegetation actively growing in the area.
Salvinia, Common
Common salvinia (Salvinia minima), a non-native species, rarely overwinters in the TVA system. It grows rapidly in warm weather, forming dense colonies.
American Lotus
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), a native species, will grow rapidly through the summer. Large colonies of the plant will form along the shoreline with some leaves floating and others standing high above the water resembling a tuba.