The water layer
The Aquatic Layer
The aquatic layer includes plants rooted in saturated margins, shallow water, or deeper water bodies. Water depth and movement replace many of the ordinary assumptions made about garden soil.
Role in the design
What this layer contributes
Aquatic plants can occupy pond edges and wet areas, create habitat, protect banks, produce biomass, and take up nutrients. Spread and water access require deliberate management.
Living library
Explore aquatic plants
13 records in this layer
Perennial
American Lotus
Nelumbo lutea
USDA zones 4–10
Perennial
Bulrush
Schoenoplectus acutus
USDA zones 3–10
Perennial
Cattail
Typha latifolia
USDA zones 3–10
Perennial
Giant Swamp Taro
Cyrtosperma merkusii
USDA zones 10–12
Perennial
Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera
USDA zones 4–10
Perennial
Mosquito Fern
Azolla filiculoides
USDA zones 7–10
Perennial
Narrowleaf Cattail
Typha angustifolia
USDA zones 2–11
Annual
Northern Wild Rice
Zizania palustris
Zone range varies
Perennial
Softstem Bulrush
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
USDA zones 4–9
Perennial
Water Chestnut
Eleocharis dulcis
USDA zones 9–11
Perennial
Water Spinach
Ipomoea aquatica
USDA zones 2–11
Perennial
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
USDA zones 3–10