Floating

• Many floating plants rapidly reproduce.aquatic plants image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
  
  Aquatic plants; such as duckweed, water lettuce and fairy moss; freely float on the surface of the water. In addition to shade and shelter, these plants often serve as food for many fish. Approximately 1/3 of a pond's surface should be covered with vegetation for optimal results. Many of these plants reproduce rapidly. Avoid run-off as some plants create an environmental hazard in natural waterways.
  
  

Submersed

• Submersed plants grow completely under water, providing shelter for fish.underwater plant image by Katrina from Fotolia.com
  
  Complete submersed plants generally root into bottom of the pond or lake. Although some plants produce long stalks and grow up to 4 feet tall, these plants generally spend their lifecycle completely under water. Submersed water plants provide oxygen to the water and serve as a source of shelter for fish and other aquatic wildlife. Examples of submersed plants include elodea, coontail and milfoil.
  
  

Marginal

• Cattails thrive on the edges of water ways.cat tails habitat image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Plants that grow along the edge of ponds, lakes and other waterways are referred to as marginal plants. These plants thrive in boggy or consistently wet soil with their roots under 3 to 6 inches of water. Marginal plants; such as cattails, reeds and rushes; provide habitats and breeding grounds for animals that live near bodies of water. Many of these plants, such as the iris, have flowers.
  
  

Partly Emerging

• Water lilies produce large, colorful flowers.Water lilies in lake image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Pond plants that root into the soil at the bottom of a pond, yet send leaves and flowers to float on the surface of the water are called partly emerging plants. These plants are generally vigorous and spread rapidly. Many such plants, such as water hyacinth, are invasive. Some partly emerging plants produce large, fragrant flowers, such as the lotus or water lily. Avoid releasing them into the native waterways where they can multiply rapidly and become a problem for wildlife.