Aquatic, Wetland and Invasive Plant Manuals and Field Guides

L - R

    Lamoureux, G., et al. 1987. Plantes sauvages des lacs, rivieres et tourbieres. (Wild plants of lakes, rivers and peat bogs.) FLEURBAC, Saint-Augustin (Portneuf), Quebec, Canada.

      Very nice photographs and distribution maps for North America are included in this identification guide. Text in French.

    Langeland, K.A., H. M. Cherry, C. M. McCormick, and K. A. Craddock Burks 2008. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (Second Edition). University of Florida, Gainesville, 191 pp.


    Larson, G.E. 1993. Aquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants of the Northern Great Plains. General Technical Report RM-238, Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Dept. Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Expt. Station, 681 pp.

      A taxonomic treatment of over 500 aquatic and wetland plant species of the northern Great Plains region. Keys, botanical descriptions, illustrations and some photographs, geographic range and habitat preferences, distributional maps and more are included. Adequate drawings are, unfortunately, not well reproduced but still are useful.

    Leach, G.J., P.L. Osborne. 1985. Freshwater Plants of Papua New Guinea. University of Papua New Guinea Press. 254 pp.


    Lee, R.E.. 2008. Phycology (Fourth Edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., 547 pp.


    Leigh, M., ed. 1996. Grow Your Own Native Landscape: A Guide to Identifying, Propagating and Landscaping with Western Washington Native Plants. Washington State University, Olympia. 132 pp.

      Descriptions of more than 90 native plants suitable for growing in Washington state are included. It may be the best basic handbook on collecting and growing native plants that the APIRS library has.

    Lellinger, D.B. 1985. A Field Manual of the Ferns and Fern-Allies of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington, D.C., 389 pp.


    Lindstrom, L.E. 1968. The Aquatic and Marsh Plants of the Great Plains of Central North America. Ph.D. Thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 247 pp.


    Long, R.W., O. Lakela. 1971. A Flora of Tropical Florida – A Manual of the Seed Plants and Ferns of Southern Peninsular Florida. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables, FL, 962 pp.


    Lot, A., Retana, A.N., Garcia, M.O., Ramirez-Garcia, P. 1999. Catalogo de Angiospermas Acuaticas de Mexico - Hidrofitas Estrictas Emergentes, Sumergidas y Flotantes. Cuadernos del Instituto de Biologia 33, UNAM, Mexico. 161 pp. (In Spanish)

      Good color photographs and black and white line drawings. Distribution maps for Mexico.

    Lui, S.K., M. Butler, M. Allen, J. DaSilva, et al. 2008.  Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Canada. 188 pp.


    Magee, D.W. 1981. Freshwater Wetlands - A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast. University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst. 245 pp.

      This book features botanical keys and nice line drawings and contains a list of rare and uncommon wetland plants.

    Martin, A.C., F.M. Uhler. 1939. Food of Game Ducks in the United States and Canada. USDA Technical Bulletin 634, Reprinted by US Government Printing Office as Research Report 30, 1951. 308 pp.

      The identification, value, range, and propagation of approximately 45 principle duck foods. Black and white photographs.

    Mason, H.L. 1957. A Flora of the Marshes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 878 pp.

      Botanical Keys, finely detailed line drawings, a good glossary and an illustrated key to monocotyledons and dicotyledons complete this extensive volume.

    McPherson, S. 2007. Pitcher Plants of the Americas. McDonald & Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg, VA. 320 pp.


    Mohlenbrock, R.H. Sedges: Cyperus to Scleria: The Illustrated Flora of Illinois, Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale. 2nd Ed. 2001. 223 pp.

      This is the "second edition" of the 1976 book, with new keys. Rather than integrating new information into the first edition, the original keys are left in their first edition pages, along with the original plant descriptions and distribution maps. The new keys, new discoveries, nomenclatural changes and distribution additions are tacked on at the end of the book, making it rather confusing for the unsuspecting user.

    Miller, J.H. 2003. Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests: A Field Guide for Identification and Control. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-62, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC. 93 pp.


    Moldenke, H.N., A.L. Moldenke. 1952. Plants of the Bible. Chronica Botanica Co., Waltham. (Reprint 1986.) Dover Publications, Inc., New York. 328 pp.

      The most obvious aquatic species: Cyperus papyrus, its stems made the floating cradle into which Miriam placed the baby Moses. An abundance of botanical data and detailed factual information concerning 230 plants mentioned in the Scriptures. Over 100 engravings and black and white photographs.

    Moody, K. 1981. Major Weeds of Rice in South and Southeast Asia. International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines. 79 pp.

      A pocket-sized guide with color photographs and descriptive information in common language.

    Muenscher, W.C. 1944. Aquatic Plants of the United States. Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. 374 pp.


    Muhlberg, H. 1982. The Complete Guide to Water Plants. EP Publishing Ltd., Germany. 391 pp.


    Musil, C.F. 1973. Water Plants of Natal - a guide to the important species. The Wildlife Protection and Conservation Society of South Africa, Natal. 62 pp.

      A small format paperback with good line drawings and distribution maps for 46 species. Includes a simple key, notes on importance, and brief control information.

    Nelson, E.N., Couch, R.W. 1985. Aquatic Plants of Oklahoma I: Submersed, Floating-Leaved, and Selected Emergent Macrophytes. Oral Roberts University. 113 pp.

      Key and descriptive treatments, with some black and white photographs. Distribution maps by county within Oklahoma.

    Nelson, G. 1994. The Trees of Florida: A Reference and Field Guide. Pineapple Press, Inc., Sarasota, Fl. 338 pp.


    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, illustrated by L.B. McCloskey. 1998. HUDSON RIVER FIELD GUIDE TO PLANTS OF FRESHWATER TIDAL WETLANDS. Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, c/o Bard College Field Station, Annandale, NY. 50 pp.

      Beautifully illustrated handbook treats 4 submersed, 1 floating, and 18 emersed plants of the tidal Hudson River. The line drawings illustrate how the plants would appear in different stages throughout the year, and in many cases includes microscopic enlargements of important features. Apparently it is free of charge.

    Newmaster, S.G., Harris, A.G., Kershaw, L.J. 1997. Wetland Plants of Ontario. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA. 240 pp.

      Contains detailed descriptions, color photographs and line drawings of 475 species of plants that grow in wetlands across eastern North America. Included are sections on trees and shrubs; herbs; grasses, sedges and rushes; aquatics; ferns and allies; and bryophytes. Standard keys, flower color photo keys, and drawings keys.


    Nichols, S.A. 1999. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT DESCRIPTIONS OF WISCONSIN LAKE PLANTS, by S.A. Nichols. 1999.
    (Order from Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Map and Publications Office, 3817 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705-5100; 608-263-7389. $15.00 plus tax and S/H. WWW: http://www.uwex.edu/wgnhs )

      This spiral-bound field-book presents line drawings, Wisconsin distribution maps, water chemistry preferences, and other habitat information for more than 100 species of lake plants that range from the rare to the common. "The publication was designed to provide a basis for the in-depth study of lake plants," and should be helpful to ecologists, managers, teachers and students.


    Niering, W.A., R.H. Goodwin. 1973. Inland Wetland Plants of Connecticut. Connecticut Arboretum, Bulletin No. 19, New London, CT, 25 pp.


    Niering, W.A., R.S. Warren. 1980. Salt Marsh Plants of Connecticut. Connecticut Arboretum, Bulletin No. 25, New London, CT, 33 pp.


    Niklitschek, A. 1932. Water Lilies and Water Plants. Chatto & Windus, London. 136 pp.

      Devoted primarily to water lilies (Nymphaeaceae), this classic book contains 14 black and white photographs, and five drawings.


    Obot, E.A., J.S.O. Ayeni. 1987. A Handbook of Common Aquatic Plants of the Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria. National Institute of Freshwater Fisheries Research, New Bussa, Kwara State, Nigeria, 51 pp.


    Otto, N.E., T.R. Bartley, J.S. Thullen. 1980. Aquatic Pests on Irrigation Systems: Identification Guide, Second Edition.  U.S. Department of the Interior, Water and Power Resources Service, Water Resources Technical Publication, Denver, CO, 90 pp.


    Palmer, C.M. 1959. Algae in Water Supplies. An Illustrated Manual on the Identification, Significance, and Control of Algae in Water Supplies.  U.S.  Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, OH, NTIS Publ. No. PB 216 459, 88 pp.


    Pancho, J.V., Soerjani, M. 1978. Aquatic Weeds of Southeast Asia - A Systematic Account of Common Southeast Asian Aquatic Weeds. University of the Philippines at Los Banos College, Laguna, and SEAMEO Regional Centr for Tropical Biology, Bogor, Indonesia. 130 pp.

      Covers Characeae, Ricciaceae, ferns, dicots and monocots. Includes a distribution chart for Southeast Asia.

    Pancho, J.V. 1976. Philippine Aquatic Weeds. KALIKASAN, The Philippine Journal of Biology 5(1):37-91, Laguna.

      Thirty-nine species of vascular and non-vascular aquatic weeds are recorded. Keys to families, genera and species, descriptions, illustrations, local names, distribution and information on ecology.

    Pancho, J.V., Vega, M.R., Plucknett, D.L. 1969. Some Common Weeds of the Philippines. Weed Science Society of the Philippines.

      Nice black and white line drawings complement this guide to weeds in the Philippines. Weeds in crops such as lowland rice, corn, sugarcane, pineapple, banana, coffee, cacao, etc. are emphasized. Local plant names are provided.

    Passarge, H. 1996. Pflanzengesellschaften Nordostdeutschlands -- Plant Communities Of Northeast Germany, I. Aquatic and Terrestrial Plants. Gebr. Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, Germany. 298 pp.

      This book, in German, is about the phytosociology of the rivers, lakes and wetlands of northeastern Germany. More than 50 plant associations are described, 24 of them aquatic. Numerous tables describe plant habitats and water chemistry.

    Pierce, R.J. 1977. Wetland Plants of the Eastern United States. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division, New York, N.Y. 422 pp

      Written as a guide for Corps field inspectors using non-technical language. Color photographs, brief descriptions, and wildlife values for approximately 100 species.

    Pot, R. 2003. Veldgids Water- en Oeverplanten. (Field Guide for Water and Bank Plants.) KNNV-Uitgeverij, Utrecht and Stowa, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 351 pp.


    Prather, T.S., S.S. Robins, D.W. Morishita, L.W. Lass, et al.. 2002. Idaho’s Noxious Weeds. Dept. Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow. 76 pp.


    Preston, C.D., Croft, J.M. 1997. AQUATIC PLANTS IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Harley Books, Martins, Great Horkesley, Colchester, ENGLAND. 365 pp.

      "...This volume presents, for the first time, a thorough review of all freshwater plants in Britain and Ireland. It is both an atlas of distribution and compendium of scientific information." The book summarizes the distribution, habitat and reproductive biology of 200 taxa in 72 genera, including distribution maps for Britain and Ireland. The book includes a single line drawing for each genus, and no photographs.

    Preston, C.D. 1995. Pondweeds of Great Britain and Ireland - B.S.B.I. Handbook No. 8. Botanical Society of the British Isles, Oundle, Peterborough, GREAT BRITAIN. 352 pp.

      An identification guide rather than a taxonomic monograph. The first third is an introduction to the biology of Potamogeton species in the British Isles, and includes chapters on prehistory, nomenclature, classification, evolution, hybridisation, structure, life history, habitats, distribution, and collection and preservation. The second part of the book presents two keys to 50 species (including a couple of Ruppias and Groenlandia densa). Each species is treated by descriptions, maps and excellent line drawings.

    Pritchard, K. 1991. A Field Guide to Wetland Characterization and Wetland Plant Guide. Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Seattle. 55 pp.

      Simple language and drawings to help train volunteers for community wetlands projects.

    Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, C.R. Bell. 1968. Atlas of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, 1,183 pp.


    Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, C.R. Bell. 1965. Atlas of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina, Agricultural Experiment Station, Chapel Hill, Tech. Bull. No. 165, 208 pp.


    Ramey, V. 2005. Freshwater Plants in the Southeastern United States.   University of  Florida IFAS Extension, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville, Recognition Guide for 133 Plants. Fold-out field guide.


    Ramey, V., J. Schardt. 2005. Invasive and Other Non-Native Plants Found in Public Waters and Conservation Lands of Florida and the Southeastern United States. University of Florida, IFAS Extension, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Recognition Guide for 94 Non-Native Plants. Fold-out field guide.


    Ramey, V. 1990. Florida Prohibited Aquatic Plants, Florida Department of Natural Resouces Rule 16C-52, by Authority of Florida State Statues 369.25.  Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management, Tallahassee. 33 pp.


    Ramey, V. 1995. Aquatic Plant Identification Deck. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville.

      A 3" x 4" card deck of color photographs of 67 aquatic and wetland plant species with plant identification information on the back of each card. The cards are laminated for water resistance and bound with a screw and fastener for in-the-field reference.

    Ramey, V. 1999. Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of Wetlands Identification Deck--With notes about wildlife use. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville.

      A 3" x 4" card deck of color photographs and identification information for 84 grasses, sedges and rushes of wetlands. Each page is laminated for water resistance; pages open book-like for easy in-the-field use.

    Randall, J.M. and Marinelli, J., eds. 1996. INVASIVE PLANTS--WEEDS OF THE GLOBAL GARDEN. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Handbook #149. 111 pp.

      Includes two succinct and understandable introductions by the editors: Redefining the Weed, and How Non-Native Species Invade and Degrade Natural Areas. The book includes one section on "chemical-free weed controls" and another about choosing and applying herbicides when they're necessary. The remainder includes the "encyclopedia of invasive plants" including trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, grasses, vines and aquatic plants, 76 species in all. Color photographs are included.

    Raspopov, I.M. 1985. Higher Aquatic Vegetation of the Larger Lakes of Northwest U.S.S.R. Institute of Lake Management, Nauk, Leningrad. 200 pp. (In Russian).

      Includes distribution maps.

    Rataj, K., T.J. Horeman. 1977. Aquarium Plants - their identification, cultivation and ecology. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ. 448 pp.

      Both color and black and white photographs accompany this comprehensive guide to aquarium plants. Subjects covered include lighting, water chemistry and temperature of aquariums, and reproduction and practical propagation of aquarium plants. More than 45 plant families encompassing hundreds of species are covered.

    Redington, C.B. 1994. Plants in Wetlands, Redington Field Guides to Biological Interactions. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, IA. 394 pp.

      “Written and designed to consider biological interactions between plants and the full range of animal groups in wetlands.” More than 100 plant species are described. Other features include a simple wetlands delineation method, a key to wetland communities, an appendix about spiders, community interactions and human/economic uses. The approximate range of the manual is the eastern third of the United States.

    Reed, C.F. 1977. Economically Important Foreign Weeds. Potential Problems in the United States. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Station, Washington, D.C., Handbook No. 498, 746 pp.


    Romanowski, N. 2000. Water Garden Plants & Animals - The Complete Guide for All Australia. ISBS, Portland, OR. 112 pp.

      Full-color book contains brief but useful information about how to use water lilies and bog plants, and fishes and frogs in water gardens in Australia. Varieties of hybrid water lilies and lotuses, and many kinds of other aquatic plants that might grow in deeper or shallower water gardens are pictured and somewhat described.

    Romanowski ,N. 1998. Aquatic and Wetland Plants – A Field Guide for Non-Tropical Australia.  University of New South Wales Press, Sydney, 119 pp.


    Russell, G.E.G. 1974. The Vascular Plants of Rhodesia. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Georgia, Athens, 463 pp.