Fall Mountain Lake

Aquatic Plants of Fall Mountain Lake

Discover the native and invasive aquatic plants that shape the ecosystem of Fall Mountain Lake. Learn which species support lake health—and which ones require management or removal.

🌿 Native Beneficial Plants

These native species support the lake’s ecosystem by providing habitat, stabilizing sediment, and enhancing biodiversity.

1. Arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.)

  • Description: Emergent plant with arrow-shaped leaves; produces white, three-petaled flowers.
  • Ecological Role: Provides habitat for aquatic wildlife and stabilizes shorelines.
  • Image: (AquaPlant)

2. Ribbon-Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus)

  • Description: Submerged plant with long, ribbon-like leaves; may have floating leaves.
  • Ecological Role: Offers cover for fish and invertebrates; contributes to oxygenation.
  • Image: (Minnesota Wildflowers)

3. Small Pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus)

  • Description: Delicate, submerged plant with narrow leaves; forms underwater mats.
  • Ecological Role: Provides habitat for aquatic organisms; supports food web.
  • Image: (Go Botany)

4. Waterwort (Elatine americana)

  • Description: Tiny, low-growing plant found in shallow waters; often submerged.
  • Ecological Role: Stabilizes sediment; supports microhabitats.
  • Image: (Go Botany)

5. Bur-Reed (Sparganium americanum)

  • Description: Grass-like plant with spiky, ball-shaped flower heads; grows in shallow water.
  • Ecological Role: Provides cover and nesting sites for wildlife.
  • Image: (Go Botany)

6. Marsh Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia palustris)

  • Description: Low-growing plant with reddish stems; found in moist soils and shallow waters.
  • Ecological Role: Aids in erosion control; supports pollinators.
  • Image: (Burke Herbarium)

7. Sedge (Carex aquatilis)

  • Description: Grass-like plant with triangular stems; forms dense colonies.
  • Ecological Role: Stabilizes shorelines; provides food for wildlife.
  • Image: (Prairie Moon Nursery)

8. Snailseed Pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus)

  • Description: Submerged plant with small, coiled fruits resembling snails.
  • Ecological Role: Offers habitat for invertebrates; supports aquatic food chains.
  • Image: (Go Botany)

9. Sevenangle Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum)

  • Description: Grass-like plant with small, button-like flowers; grows in shallow waters.
  • Ecological Role: Provides habitat; supports pollinators.
  • Image: (Go Botany)

10. Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar variegata)

  • Description: Floating plant with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers.
  • Ecological Role: Offers shade and cover for fish; stabilizes sediments.
  • Image: (Minnesota Wildflowers)

11. Quillwort (Isoetes spp.)

  • Description: Grass-like, submerged plant growing in clean, soft-bottomed lakes.
  • Ecological Role: Indicator of good water quality; contributes to oxygenation.
  • Image: (Getty Images)

12. Water Starwort (Callitriche spp.)

  • Description: Small floating-leaved plant found in quiet waters.
  • Ecological Role: Helps oxygenate water; traps sediment.
  • Image: (iNaturalist)

⚠️ Native Plants Requiring Management

These native species can become overabundant under certain conditions, potentially impacting recreational activities and biodiversity.

1. Western Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii)

  • Description: Bushy, submerged plant with whorled leaves; can form dense mats.
  • Management Concern: Excessive growth may impede boating and alter water flow.
  • Image: (iNaturalist)

2. Common Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris)

  • Description: Free-floating carnivorous plant with small bladders that trap tiny aquatic prey.
  • Management Concern: Can spread widely in nutrient-rich waters, affecting water clarity.
  • Image: (Minnesota Wildflowers)

3. Spikerush (Eleocharis spp.)

  • Description: Slim, rush-like plants forming dense mats in shallow waters.
  • Management Concern: May outcompete diverse native shoreline plants; inhibits access to water.
  • Image: (Minnesota Wildflowers)

4. Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis)

  • Description: Submerged, thread-like plant growing in soft sediments.
  • Management Concern: Can become very dense in late summer, impeding recreation.
  • Image: (Montana Field Guide)

🚫 Invasive Species

These non-native species can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem by outcompeting native plants and altering habitat structures.

1. Minor Naiad (Najas minor)

  • Description: Submerged aquatic plant with finely divided leaves; spreads aggressively.
  • Threat: Forms dense mats that crowd out native vegetation and hinder recreational access.
  • Image: (iNaturalist)

2. Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

  • Description: Submerged plant with feather-like leaves arranged in whorls; breaks off easily to spread.
  • Threat: Rapidly colonizes new areas, displacing native species and reducing oxygen levels in water.
  • Image: (USGS)