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.

Herbarium Preparation

According to DEP SOP FS7310 located at ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/pub/labs/assessment/sopdoc/2008finalsops/fs7000.doc: “Each sampling entity must maintain a plant reference collection.”

General information about herbariums and specimen preparation

• The Herbarium and Creating Herbarium Specimens - John Tobe, Ph.D. (133 KB)
• Preparation of Plant Specimens for Deposit as Herbarium Vouchers - University of Florida

Plant Identification

Presentations

• A Review of Plant Morphology – by Nia Wellendorf (333 KB)
• Getting to Know Your Aquatic Plants – by Nia Wellendorf (11.7 MB)
• Graminoids: Sedges, Grasses, Rushes – by Nia Wellendorf (11.2 MB)
• Grass Like Plant Identification – by John Tobe, Ph.D. (3.4 MB)
• Ludwigia and Tricky Emergents - by Nia Wellendorf, December 2008 FAB meeting (6.7 MB)
• Plant Training - by Ashley O’Neal (4.4 MB)
• Submersed Aquatic Plant ID - by Nia Wellendorf, December 2008 FAB meeting (6.7 MB)

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)
• Biological Research Associates Plant Database
• Aquatic Plant Information System, by the Army Corps of Engineers - (nationwide)
• Flora of North America - (nationwide)
• Non-indigenous Aquatic Species, by USGS - (nationwide)

Miscellaneous Information

• 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.

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For more information please contact Devan Cobb at 850/245-8542 or devan.r.cobb@dep.state.fl.us.