Tools for Aquatic Plant Identification

This page lists online tools available for help in identifying different species of aquatic plants. Search the list below for interactive keys, fact sheets, image galleries and other useful tools.


Tools for Identifying Aquatic Plants
Showing 15 of 24 ( Show All )
CollapseA rough field guide for identification of D. geminata (PDF, 2 pp., 40 KB)
Description: This informal guide is intended to be a resource for recognizing D.geminata in the field, but does not replace confirmation of species identification. The intent of this guide is to allow field workers/biologists to rule out other species of diatoms that may be confused with D. geminata. This guide can be used in association with the images on the EPA website http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia/. Discusses the macroscopic appearance of D. geminata.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: PDF
Publisher: United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region 8
CollapseAquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants of the Northern Great Plains
Description: Manual of the vascular plants growing in wetland habitats of the northern plains, including taxonomic keys, plant descriptions, distribution maps, and statements of range and habitat preferences.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Life Histories and Species Profiles
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: United States Geological Survey
CollapseAquatic Plants: Guide to Aquatic and Wetland Plants of West Virginia
Description: From the publication: "Aquatic and wetland plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and fill many ecological niches. Plants range from small, bog-dwelling carnivorous sundew plants that trap and digest insects to large river and lake inhabiting pondweeds that provide food and shelter to many species of wildlife. Aquatic and wetland plants do not belong to any one particular plant family. Rather, they are derived from several terrestrial plant families and have in some cases developed special similar modifications to aid survival in a wet environment... To aid the reader in plant identification, a habitat sketch that indicates the type of aquatic situation where these plants usually occur is included, as aquatics are sometimes described as to whether they are (1) free floating, such as duckweed-, (2) totally submersed, such as naiad; (3) bottom rooted and floating, such as waterlily; (4) emergent and rooted, such as quillwort; (5) totally emergent, with roots in water or mud, such as cattails; and (6) woody, growing in wet areas, such as alders. Reference is made in the text for each plant as to type of aquatic situation in which the plant is usually found...It is hoped that this publication will promote not only a better recognition of aquatic and wetland plants and their uses, but concern and appreciation for our valuable -and vulnerable - wetland resources."
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Illustrations (Biological)
Resource Format: PDF
Publisher: West Virginia University Extension Service
CollapseCaulerpa taxifolia Survey and Identification Information Package in support of the Caulerpa Control Protocol
Description: "This guide in intended to provide background, survey design suggestions, reporting guidance, and identification materials to assist in preparation for conducting surveys for Caulerpa under the Caulerpa Control Protocol and for the certification exam to be administered by NOAA Fisheries or CDFG."
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Recommended Practices
Resource Format: PDF
Publisher: NOAA Southwest Regional Office National Marine Fisheries Service
CollapseEurasian Watermilfoil
Description: The fact sheet gives information on Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), its origin, background, distribution, ecological threat, biology, and prevention and control methods.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Management Plans and Reports
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
CollapseGiant Salvinia
Description: The fact sheet gives information on Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), an introduced plant species. The fact sheet includes the plant's origin, background, distribution, ecological threat, biology, prevention, and control methods.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Management Plans and Reports
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
CollapseGreat Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Photography Library
Description: Image gallery of free, high resolution photographs of aquatic invasive species related to the Great Lakes, compiled by the Michigan sea Grant.
Resource Type: Image Galleries
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: University of Michigan
CollapseGreat Lakes Photography Library
Description: Image gallery of free, high resolution photographs related to the Great Lakes, compiled by the Michigan sea Grant. Image gallery themes include aquatic invasive species, coastal land use, fish, recreation, scenic landscapes, ships, and wildlife.
Resource Type: Image Galleries
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: University of Michigan
CollapseHydrilla
Description: The fact sheet provides information on Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), an introduced plant. The plant's origin, background, distribution, ecological threats, biology, prevention, and control methods are discussed.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides, Management Plans and Reports
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
CollapseHydrilla Hunt I.D. Card
Description: This is a downloadable (pdf format) wallet-size identification card for hydrilla. The card provides leaf characteristics of the exotic and native hydrilla along with instructions on how to collect a plant sample and where to send it for identification.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: PDF
Publisher: Michigan Sea Grant
CollapseInvasive Species
Description: This resource provides links to information on the invasive aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant species that threaten Minnesota's natural resources.
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
CollapseInvasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) Database: Ecology of Eichhornia crassipes
Description: Fact sheet on Eichhornia crassipes with images and information on common names, description, similar species, occurrences, habitat, impacts, uses, geographical range, management, reproduction, dispersal methods, invasion pathways, and distribution.
Resource Type: Bibliographies and Web Indexes, Life Histories and Species Profiles
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
CollapseKey to Common Genera and Species of Hawaiian Chlorophyta (Green Algae)
Description: From the Web site:"The 16 genera listed in this key represent about 50% of the green algal genera in the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the lines in this key end in a specific name which indicates that there is only one species in the genus. The number in parentheses that follows a genus name is the number of species recognized for that genus at this time in Hawai’i. Isabella Abbott, January 1997."
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: University of Hawaii at Manoa
CollapseKey to Common Genera and Species of Hawaiian Phaeophyta (Brown Algae)
Description: From the Web site:"The 17 genera listed in this key represent about 65 % of the brown algal genera in the Hawaiian Islands. As with the green algal key, some key lines end in a specific name which indicates that there is only one species in the genus or that a certain species is different from the remainder in that genus and can be isolated by itself. The number in parentheses that follows genus names is the number of species recognized for that genus at this time in Hawai’i. Isabella Abbott, January 1997."
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: University of Hawaii at Manoa
CollapseKey to Common Genera and Species of South Oahu Rhodophyta (Red Algae)
Description: From the Web site:"This key is intended for students working to identify very common red algae from the south shore of O’ahu. With the 20 taxa presented here, you will see a small sampling of the over 400 species in about 135 genera of red algae in our Hawaiian algal flora. Isabella Abbott October 1998."
Resource Type: Checklists and Identification Guides
Resource Format: URL
Publisher: University of Hawaii at Manoa
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