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Aquatic Plant ID
They go by different names. You may call them “weeds,” “grass” or “moss.” Aquatic plants are an integral part of the Tennessee River’s ecosystem, whether providing nutrients for the species at the bottom of the food chain, cover and ambush areas for largemouth bass or food source for the multitude of local waterfowl.
This guide provides information to help you understand when these plants are most productive, where they grow and—most importantly—help you identify them. Whether you are an angler, property owner or any other lake user, we invite you to learn more about the aquatic plants present in our Tennessee Valley region reservoirs.
The guide also offers season-by-season tips for fishing among these plants.
Floating and Floating Leaf Plants
Alligator Weed
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), non-native. emerges from shoreline and near-shore areas in spring, vertical stems begin to spread along the water’s surface, forming an interwoven mat.
Description
Alligator weed is an emergent perennial with a hollow, trailing stem which often forms floating mats. The leaves are 1.5 to 3 inches long and grow opposite each other along the stem. They are narrow, generally tapering towards the stem, and have distinct middle veins. The flowering stems are erect and up to 3 feet tall. The flower heads are borne on stalks rising from the leaf axil and are composed of numerous small white flowers compacted into a rounded cluster. Each flower has a male and female flower parts, but mature seeds are not formed. Thus, propagation occurs entirely by asexual fragmentation.
Habitat
Alligator weed is a non-native exotic introduced into the southeastern United States and California from South America. It is common in the central and western portions of the Tennessee Valley region, which is near the northern limit of its range. The plant impairs access in shallow water habitats in lakes and slow-moving streams in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A large, hollow stem and oppositely oriented leaves are characteristic of alligator weed. A white flower like that of terrestrial clover is also often visible.
Where to Find It—Alligator weed is highly adaptable and can be found growing on nearly any shoreline out into 5 or 6 feet of water.
Similar Species—Alligator weed looks similar to water primrose; however, water primrose has alternating leaves, a solid stem and a yellow flower.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—As alligator weed emerges from both shoreline and near-shore areas, vertical stems provide optimal opportunity for a swimbait or swimjig.
Summer—Once alligator weed reaches the surface, it will begin to rapidly spread out across the water's surface, forming interwoven, impenetrable mats. As stems fall horizontally, new roots can form where leaves previously existed and quickly root in the sediment. A small white flower will begin to appear at the peak of summer. Fishing alligator weed can become difficult once mat formation begins. Fishing edges is most effective with a jig or senko.
Fall—Alligator weed will reach peak growth and fishing will remain difficult. Run weedless topwater across and over holes in alligator weed (heavy braid recommended) or fish edges.
Winter—Dead stems of alligator weed may be present through mid-winter. Fish these by hopping a jig through and across leftover plant matter.
Drawbacks
Because of its aggressive nature, alligator weed can become invasive and often cause conflict with water uses including making shoreline access impossible. This species is commonly managed in a reservoir setting.
Shoreline Plants
Alligator Weed
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), non-native. emerges from shoreline and near-shore areas in spring, vertical stems begin to spread along the water’s surface, forming an interwoven mat.
Description
Alligator weed is an emergent perennial with a hollow, trailing stem which often forms floating mats. The leaves are 1.5 to 3 inches long and grow opposite each other along the stem. They are narrow, generally tapering towards the stem, and have distinct middle veins. The flowering stems are erect and up to 3 feet tall. The flower heads are borne on stalks rising from the leaf axil and are composed of numerous small white flowers compacted into a rounded cluster. Each flower has a male and female flower parts, but mature seeds are not formed. Thus, propagation occurs entirely by asexual fragmentation.
Habitat
Alligator weed is a non-native exotic introduced into the southeastern United States and California from South America. It is common in the central and western portions of the Tennessee Valley region, which is near the northern limit of its range. The plant impairs access in shallow water habitats in lakes and slow-moving streams in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A large, hollow stem and oppositely oriented leaves are characteristic of alligator weed. A white flower like that of terrestrial clover is also often visible.
Where to Find It—Alligator weed is highly adaptable and can be found growing on nearly any shoreline out into 5 or 6 feet of water.
Similar Species—Alligator weed looks similar to water primrose; however, water primrose has alternating leaves, a solid stem and a yellow flower.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—As alligator weed emerges from both shoreline and near-shore areas, vertical stems provide optimal opportunity for a swimbait or swimjig.
Summer—Once alligator weed reaches the surface, it will begin to rapidly spread out across the water's surface, forming interwoven, impenetrable mats. As stems fall horizontally, new roots can form where leaves previously existed and quickly root in the sediment. A small white flower will begin to appear at the peak of summer. Fishing alligator weed can become difficult once mat formation begins. Fishing edges is most effective with a jig or senko.
Fall—Alligator weed will reach peak growth and fishing will remain difficult. Run weedless topwater across and over holes in alligator weed (heavy braid recommended) or fish edges.
Winter—Dead stems of alligator weed may be present through mid-winter. Fish these by hopping a jig through and across leftover plant matter.
Drawbacks
Because of its aggressive nature, alligator weed can become invasive and often cause conflict with water uses including making shoreline access impossible. This species is commonly managed in a reservoir setting.
Submersed Plants
Alligator Weed
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), non-native. emerges from shoreline and near-shore areas in spring, vertical stems begin to spread along the water’s surface, forming an interwoven mat.
Description
Alligator weed is an emergent perennial with a hollow, trailing stem which often forms floating mats. The leaves are 1.5 to 3 inches long and grow opposite each other along the stem. They are narrow, generally tapering towards the stem, and have distinct middle veins. The flowering stems are erect and up to 3 feet tall. The flower heads are borne on stalks rising from the leaf axil and are composed of numerous small white flowers compacted into a rounded cluster. Each flower has a male and female flower parts, but mature seeds are not formed. Thus, propagation occurs entirely by asexual fragmentation.
Habitat
Alligator weed is a non-native exotic introduced into the southeastern United States and California from South America. It is common in the central and western portions of the Tennessee Valley region, which is near the northern limit of its range. The plant impairs access in shallow water habitats in lakes and slow-moving streams in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Identifying Features
What It Looks Like—A large, hollow stem and oppositely oriented leaves are characteristic of alligator weed. A white flower like that of terrestrial clover is also often visible.
Where to Find It—Alligator weed is highly adaptable and can be found growing on nearly any shoreline out into 5 or 6 feet of water.
Similar Species—Alligator weed looks similar to water primrose; however, water primrose has alternating leaves, a solid stem and a yellow flower.
Seasonal Fishing Techniques
Spring—As alligator weed emerges from both shoreline and near-shore areas, vertical stems provide optimal opportunity for a swimbait or swimjig.
Summer—Once alligator weed reaches the surface, it will begin to rapidly spread out across the water's surface, forming interwoven, impenetrable mats. As stems fall horizontally, new roots can form where leaves previously existed and quickly root in the sediment. A small white flower will begin to appear at the peak of summer. Fishing alligator weed can become difficult once mat formation begins. Fishing edges is most effective with a jig or senko.
Fall—Alligator weed will reach peak growth and fishing will remain difficult. Run weedless topwater across and over holes in alligator weed (heavy braid recommended) or fish edges.
Winter—Dead stems of alligator weed may be present through mid-winter. Fish these by hopping a jig through and across leftover plant matter.
Drawbacks
Because of its aggressive nature, alligator weed can become invasive and often cause conflict with water uses including making shoreline access impossible. This species is commonly managed in a reservoir setting.