Aquatic Plant Identification Glossary

Alternate Leaves - leaves spaced singly along a stem, one at each node.

Axil - the angle between two structures on a plant, such as the notch created between the stem and the base of a leaf.

Blade - the expanded portion of a leaf, in contrast to the leaf stalk.

Bract - a reduced or modified leaf that is located just below a flower or flower stalk.

Canopy - a cluster of leaves and branching stems on or near the water surface.

Capsule - a dry fruit with more than one seed that opens at maturity.

Cuticle - the waxy protective layer on the surface of a leaf or stem.

Detritus - any disintegrated matter; debris, such as loose organic matter composed of parts of decaying plants.

Divided - a plant structure that is cut into distinct parts; often used to describe divisions of a leaf.

Entire - a leaf margin that is smooth, not toothed or lobed.

Epiphyte - a plant that grows on another plant, but does not take its food or water from that plant.

Fruit - a ripened ovary, along with any other structures that mature with it and form a unit.

Heterophylly - the presence of two different kinds of leaves on the same plant.

Keel - a sharp ridge.

Midrib - the central vein of a leaf that runs from its base to tip.

Node - the place on a stem where a leaf or branch arises.

Nutlet - a small, dry, one-seeded fruit with a hard wall.

Opposite leaves - leaves arranged along a stem in pairs, directly across from each other.

Ovary - the part of a flower's female reproductive structure that encloses the seeds.

Petal - an inner floral leaf, usually colored.

Petiole - leaf stalk.

Rhizome - a creeping, underground stem.

Rosette - leaves arranged in a radiating pattern at the base of a plant.

Serrate - a sharply toothed leaf margin.

Sheath - the portion of a leaf that wraps around the stem.

Spike - flowers closely spaced on a single stalk.

Spore - A single-celled reproductive structure produced by non-flowering plants.

Stipule - an appendage of tissue on the stem at the base of a leaf stalk.

Stolon - a stem that creeps along the surface of the sediment or ground.

Tuber - the thickened portion of a rhizome, providing food-storage for the plant.

Turion - a specialized overwintering structure.

Whorl - an arrangement of leaves, bracts or flowers with three or more radiating from a common point.

Winter bud - A shortened branch with tightly spaced, often reduced leaves.  This structure survives the rest of the plant over winter and renews growth in the spring.

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"Our realtor advised us that one reason our property was purchased was because of the pond.  We have very much enjoyed working with you.  Your efforts provided many hours of great fun and added to our knowledge base related to nature."
-Mike C. - Private Pond Owner

NPDES UPDATE!!

On October 31st, 2011, the general permit to discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) took effect.  This new permitting system will be required for ALL lakes and ponds that have an overflow structure.  The NPDES general permitting looks to monitor and minimize point source discharges directly into federal and state waters, monitor excess or residual pollutants from plant control activities,  and sets national standards for documentation and reporting.

This permit for Wisconsin Residents will be issued through the Wisconsin DNR.  All pond owners will still need to have the NR107 Aquatic Plant Control Permit, but only ponds and lakes with an overflow that isn't contained on the property will need WPDES coverage.  The permit for Illinois Residents will be issued through the Illinois EPA.  Currently, Lake and Pond Solutions Co. has obtained statewide coverge for both Wisconsin and Illinois so customers will not need seperate coverage.