Arrowhead
Arrowhead is a native, perennial plant with arrowhead-shaped leaves and a tall spike of white flowers. It can grow in shallow water or in wet areas. The tubers of this aquatic plant are prized food by ducks, geese, muskrats and beaver.
Blue green algae
Blue green algae can be harmful to the health of humans and animals when an algal bloom is present. Blue green algal blooms occur most often in summer months. If you suspect you have seen blue green algae in a body of water or stream way in Lenexa, please contact the Justin Steudemann Stormwater Specialist at 913.477.7500.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Algae blooms in the state
Cattail
Cattail can grow 5 to 10 feet tall in shallow water or boggy areas with no standing water. Flowers form in a dense, dark brown, cigar shape and are called ‘catkins.’ Cattails are a native, invasive species that spread rapidly because each catkin can contain hundreds of thousands of fluffy seeds that are easily spread by the wind. Additionally, this plant sends out underground roots (rhizomes) that form new plants. The roots and lower leaf are often consumed by muskrats, beaver and geese.
Chara
Chara is a non-flowering algae that grows below the surface of the water. It has a crunchy, grainy texture and can have a musty odor. It provides an excellent habitat for fish and other macro-invertebrates. It is non-toxic but can get to excessive levels.
Coontail
Coontail is a rootless, submerged, perennial plant that often forms dense colonies. The branch tips and leaves resemble a raccoon’s tail. Coontail provides excellent habitat for fish and invertebrates. The fruits of coontail are consumed by ducks and it is considered a good food for wildlife.
Curly-leaf pondweed
Curly-leaf pondweed is a perennial plant that is native to Europe. It can be an aggressive invader that can cover large portions of ponds and lakes. When occurring in excessive quantities, stormwater staff will remove from city-owned bodies of water. This plant can stick to fishing equipment and boat components, so great caution should be exercised to minimize the spread of it from one body of water to another. Curly-leaf pondweed has little nutritional value to wildlife.
Duckweed
Duckweed is a very small, free-floating, seed bearing aquatic plant. Each plant contains one to three leaves that are 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch in length, and a single root protrudes from each leaf. It tends to grow in dense colonies in calm water, undisturbed by wave action. This species can be an aggressive pond invader and if colonies cover the water surface for an extended period of time, a fish kill can occur due to oxygen depletion. Many kinds of ducks consume duckweed and they are often the cause of it being transported between bodies of water.
Filamentous algae
Filamentous algae resembles wet wool and is commonly referred to as pond scum. It begins growing along the bottom of shallow water or attached to structures. It then releases, floats to the top and forms into large floating mats on the water's surface. It is non-toxic but can exist in excessive quantities. It also provides habitat for fish, frogs and other invertebrates.
Water lily
Water lilies are perennial plants that often times form dense colonies on the water surface. Their round leaves are typically 6 to 12 inches in diameter with a pie shaped notch. Flowers grow on stalks that rise above the leaf or they may float on the top of water. Flowers can be white or yellow in color and are very fragrant. Submerged portions of the aquatic plant provide habitat for fish and invertebrates. Various parts of the plant are consumed by amphibians, reptiles, ducks, deer, beaver, muskrat and other rodents.
Water primrose
Water primrose is a perennial plant that grows along the shoreline and forms runners up to 16 feet that float across the water surface. It produces shade that inhibits the growth of filamentous algae in shallow waters. When in bloom, small yellow flowers are produced. Ducks and other waterfowl consume the seeds of this plant.