Aquatic Plant Growth Forms
Free-floating





The leaves and stems are suspended in the water column or float free on the water surface with no roots anchored in the sediment



Submergent/Submerged





A submergent or submerged plant grows completely beneath the surface of water. Most submerged plants are rooted in the soil.



Floating-leaved





The leaves float on the surface of water while the roots are in the sediment.



Emergent





An emergent plant is rooted in the soil beneath the surface of water with aerial stems, leaves, and reproductive organs