Aquatic Plant Identifier

Identify common aquatic plants in TVA reservoirs — learn which species are native, invasive, or problematic

TVA Reservoir System

Identify An Aquatic Plant

📍

Filter by Your Location

Get more accurate results for your area

Select a TVA reservoir

⚠️ Found an invasive species?

Report invasive aquatic plants to help protect the Tennessee River system.

⚠️ Do not move native or non-native plants.

Moving any plant can disrupt ecosystems or harm the plants themselves.

1. Where is the plant primarily growing?

2. What do the leaves look like?

3. Does it have visible flowers or seed heads?

4. What's the overall size or growth pattern?

🗓️ Show only plants visible this month

Tip: All plants are shown by default. Select answers above to filter results in real time. Use location and season filters for more targeted results. For a broader species reference, see UF–IFAS or Texas A&M Aquaplant.

Aquatic Plants Treatment Schedule

TVA contractors use harvesters or EPA-approved herbicides to control the overgrowth of invasive aquatic plants. Treatment for summer 2026 has begun. Schedules are posted on Thursday for the following week.

View Current Schedule →

Aquatic Plants

How to Use This Tool

This identification tool is designed to help the public identify the most prevalent aquatic plant species in reservoirs that TVA manages in its seven-state service area. It is not fully inclusive of all species that are or could be present.

Browse All Plants

All aquatic plants in the TVA system are displayed when you first open the tool. Scroll through to explore.

Filter by What You See

Select answers to narrow results in real time — where the plant grows, leaf shape, flower color, and size. Select any answer again to deselect it. Skip any question you're unsure about.

Filter by Location or Season

Choose your reservoir or use your current location to see only plants common to your area. Enable the season filter to limit results to plants visible this month.

Report Invasive Species

If you identify an invasive plant, use the report button to notify TVA's Aquatic Plant Management team.

💡 Tip: The more questions you answer, the fewer plants remain. Click any plant card for detailed identification information, characteristics, and management guidance.

Report Sighting

This tool is intended to help TVA monitor and manage common aquatic plants in the Tennessee Rivers system. It does not function as a request form for direct action, i.e., treatment. Fields marked with * are required.

Reservoir *

Invasive Species Observed * (select all that apply)

Select a reservoir first to see available species

Location

Or describe the location:

Photos * (at least 1 required, up to 5)

Photos are critical in TVA's efforts to help properly identify the species in question.

Tip: Include photos showing leaves, flowers, and overall growth pattern for best identification.

Approximate Coverage

Additional Notes

Your Name (optional)

Your Email (optional)

✅ Report Submitted!

Thank you for your sighting report. Your information has been sent to TVA's Aquatic Plant Management team.