Plant Identification Resources

In order to effectively perform lake sampling using the Lake Vegetative Index (LVI), it is imperative to know the aquatic plants that are likely to be encountered. This page is intended to be a repository for helpful information to use in the identification of commonly encountered aquatic plants. It is NOT intended to replace the need for more formal field and classroom training.

Aquatic Plant Newsletters

• Volume 1: Invasive Exotic Ludwigia
• Volume 2: Cuban Bulrush
• Volume 3: Introducing the Bladderworts
• Volume 4: “Floating Wheel” Bladderworts
• Volume 5: Eleocharis

Field Keys

Streamlined dichotomous keys for use in LVI sampling. These keys include only the most commonly observed species in Florida lakes or lake margins, and are not intended to replace all need for more comprehensive taxonomic keys. 

• Small Floaters
• Large Floaters
• Submersed
• Ludwigia
• Persicaria
• Utricularia
• Woody Plants
• Eleocharis
• Shoreline Emergents

Plant Identification Presentations

DEP Plant Identification Presentations: 

• Common Stream Plants to Know for the Linear Vegetation Survey 
• Field Identification of Common Grasses  
• Ludwigia and Polygonum Species in the LVI 
• How to Distinguish the Aquatic Bladderworts
• Select Eleocharis Species 
• Woody Lakeside Plants 
• A Review of Plant Morphology 
• Invasive Exotic Streamside Plants 
• Ludwigia and Tricky Emergents
• Aquatic Plant Basics
• Aquatic/Wetland Plants on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 2017 List
• Graminoids Training
• Submersed Aquatic Plants 
• Sedge and Rush getting to Genus and Species 

Plant Identification Links 

• Institute of Systematic Botany Plant Atlas, maintained by USF - (Florida focus)
• USDA Plant Database - (nationwide)
• IFAS Center for Invasive and Aquatic Plants - (Florida focus)
• Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council - (Florida focus)
• Flora of North America - (nationwide)
• Non-indigenous Aquatic Species, by USGS - (nationwide)
• Florida Wetland Plants: An Identification Manual, by FDEP - (Florida focus)

Herbarium Preparation

• The Herbarium and Creating Herbarium Specimens - John Tobe, Ph.D.
• Preparation of Plant Specimens for Deposit as Herbarium Vouchers - University of Florida

Miscellaneous Information

• How to make table of LVI Common Names 
• Common Plants to Know for the LVI
• Plant identification tips from September 2008 Biocriteria meeting taken by Peggy Morgan, edited by Dr. David Hall
• Ward, Daniel B. & Elizabeth M. (Hodgson) Leigh. 1975. Contributions to the Flora of Florida-8, Eleocharis (Cyperaceae). Castanea 40: 16-36. This key is on page 35.