Plants That Grow in a Freshwater Biome

Plants that grow and thrive in a freshwater biome range from wildflowers to much larger shrubs and trees. These plants can grow on shorelines, in the water or in the surrounding ecosystem where the soil is typically damp. These aspects of freshwater biome species come in handy sometimes when you have wet areas of your own on your property in need of some plant life.

Water Lobelia

The shallows of ponds, lakes and swamps as well as the damp areas close to shorelines are the habitat of water lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna). This flower's white roots anchor it soundly, with its erect stem growing up as high as 3 feet. The flowers attach to the stem by short stalks. They are white to pale blue and bloom from July through September, notes the Connecticut Botanical Society. Water lobelia is a native plant in northwestern sections of Europe and northern regions of North America.

You can plant the water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) in as much as 3 inches of water and it will still thrive. Native to temperate regions worldwide, this attractive flower grows to 24 inches in some situations. The flower features a yellow center surrounded by sky-blue petals and blooms during the summer months. Water forget-me-not works well in such locations as water gardens and the fringes of ponds. You can use it as a ground cover species. The flower will even grow when planted in the mud along the waterline of a pond or a stream.

Native to the south and well into South America, titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) grows in a variety of freshwater biomes, including acidic bogs, swamps and alongside streams. Titi has ornamental value because of its shiny foliage and cream-white flowers. Titi is a shrub or small tree, capable of growing to 30 feet but often in the 7- to 15-foot range. Titi will grow in drier areas once it establishes its root system, as long as you water it consistently as it develops. Titi will create a handsome screen around retention ponds, according to Floridata, and the plant will feature a twisting gnarled trunk if grown in an open area.

Water tupelo's (Nyssa aquatica) scientific name gives you an indication this tree can grow in freshwater ecosystems. Water tupelo, native to the swamps and floodplains found in the Deep South and the Mississippi Valley, can grow to 100 feet on occasion. Water tupelo's value is that it will do well in areas prone to wetness during the rainy season. The tree attracts bees to its flowers, but the Missouri Botanical Garden notes the tree often does not bear flowers or fruit until it matures to 30 years old. Acidic soil is a good fit for water tupelo, as is a sunny location.