- The white water lily is a common sight atop Minnesota pondswater lilly image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
Minnesota is commonly known as the "land of a 10,000 lakes." Although an exaggeration, the description is apt in that the state has an abundance of lakes and ponds. In the ponds, an array of aquatic plant life flourishes, ranging from striking flowers to dense pondweeds. - The water lily is found in Minnesota in the form of the white water lily. These plants consist of the typical green, floating lily pad, with a large, bright, wide blossoms with a yellow center that open and close daily with the sunlight. These plants are ideal for ponds because the roots usually secure themselves to the mud ground in water no deeper than 5 feet. They also provide food for local waterfowl, and their roots offer habitat for largemouth bass and other fish.
- The curly-leaf pondweed, found mostly in the mideastern part of the state, is recognized by the small, jagged, teeth-like protrusion along each leaf. This aquatic plant, which grows in stalks out of the water, thrives in the summer and exists mostly in ponds no deeper than 15 feet. This particular pondweed provides food through its seeds and buds to fish and waterfowl.
- The yellow lotus is a floating aquatic plant common to Minnesota. These can easily be spotted because of their large, yellow blooms, which can grow up to 6 inches in diameter and produce strong fragrances. The yellow lotus is on the wildflower protection list, which prohibits the removal of any natural variety. This pond plant is made of edible starchy tubers.
- Broad-leaf pondweeds are found in ponds as deep as 20 feet. They are recognizable by their green leaves, which can grow as long as 8 inches and are found mostly on the part of the stalk that is submerged. The broad-leaf pondweed is useful as a habitat for a number of fish, including panfish, Northern pike and largemouth bass, which take advantage of the insects attracted to the leaves.
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