How2Day: What Plants Live in Lakes?

Lakes are home to many organisms and vegetation, including several plants. Robert Kohlhuber/Photodisc/Getty Images
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) identifies that most plants growing in lakes are found in an area called the littoral zone. The littoral zone is a shallow part of the lake that is only 15 feet deep. Located between the dry shore and open water, the littoral zone is an ideal home for most lake plants because it absorbs a wealth of sunlight. Plants in the littoral zone also benefit from the nutrient-rich soil at the bottom of the lake. Lake plants also serve an important purpose, providing nutrition to the creatures inhabiting the lake, including fish, frogs, turtles, snails and birds.

Washington State Department of Ecology identifies sea lettuce as a common lake plant. A type of saltwater algae, sea lettuce grows quickly. Consisting of thin leaves that grow abundantly, sea lettuce growth often resembles thick green piles that establish and develop at high rates. Sea lettuce provides habitat for several species of birds, fish and reptiles. Although vital to aquatic ecosystems, including lakes located in the state of Washington, sea lettuce can emit an unpleasant scent while it decomposes.

Like sea lettuce, freshwater algae functions as habitat for several lake creatures. However, Washington State Department of Ecology identifies several types of freshwater algae can actually harm a lake's ecosystem. For example, cyanobacteria is a form of freshwater algae known for its blue or green color. Cyanobacteria sends toxins into the water, negatively harming any species that relies on the lake for drinking water. Sometimes, freshwater algae accumulate in large amounts, floating over the lake's water. Commonly known as algal blooms, these masses result from insufficient nutrient balance in the lake's water.

MDNR explains that these plants get their name from the distinctive way that their leaves float on the lake's surface. For example, water lilies are known for their distinctive leaves that hover on water. All floating leaf plants contain root systems that are anchored deeply into the lake's sediment at the very bottom of the littoral zone. Floating leaf lake plants usually establish themselves in areas with little wave action where delicate leaves can be protected.

Known for being partially submerged beneath the lake's water, emergent lake plants consist of long stalks that allow leaves and stems to poke past the water's surface toward the sunlight. Like floating leaf lake plants, emergent plants also possess roots that are positioned deeply into the lake's sediment. However, emergent lake plants typically grow closer to landand in shallow water that does not exceed depths of 4 to 5 feet. Cattails and bulrushes as common emergent lake plants.

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