Floating Plants

Azolla
(Azolla carolineana)
Lacey green leaves. Not usually eaten by fish. Can be invasive.
Full Sun       Partial Shade
Zone 7

Botswana Wonder
(Aeschynomene fluitans)
Water 'Sensitive Plant'. Bright yellow flowers. Fern-like foliage closes when touched.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 9

Duckweed
(Lemna minor)
Small floating leaves. Favourite food of goldfish.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 3

Ivy-Leaved Duckweed
(Lemna triscula)
Floats just below water surface. Good fish food and water clarifier.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 3

Salvinia
(Salvinia rotundifolia)
Leaves are covered with tiny hairs. Not usually eaten by fish.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 9

Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes major)
Natural biofiltration and algae control. Spawning area for fish. Blooms occasionally.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 9

Dwarf Water Hyacinth
(Eichhornia crassipes spp.)
Ideal for small ponds.
Size: approximately 4" across.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 9

Water Lettuce
(Pistia stratiotes)
Rosette of velvety blue-green leaves. Does well in partial shade.
Full Sun       Partial Shade
Zone 9

Water Soldier
(Stratiotes aloides)
Unusual, resembles a pineapple top. Floats half submerged. New plants produced on wiry stems.
Full Sun       3/4 Sun
Zone 6