© Đinh Quang Hùng. Do not reup. Emergent aquatic plants grow in shallow areas typically along the banks of marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Unlike submerged vegetation, emergent plants are rooted in the ground with their stems, flowers, and leaves rising above the water. Emergent plants rely on aerial reproduction and get their nutrients exclusively from the soil. There are lots of desirable species and varieties of emergent plants that add beauty and are beneficial to your pond or lake. Although they supply cover, nesting areas, and food for different fish and wildlife, many consider emergent plants a nuisance. Common Non-Native Emergent Plants Found in Florida Invasive emergent plants can quickly dominate your body of water and hurt your ecosystem by taking nutrients from native plants and growing out of control when not kept in check. Other problems include: -Extreme oxygen deficiency and pH changes -Water flow constraints, flooding -Increased sedimentation -Habitat loss -A decrea