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Majority of the plant is above the water line and supports itself- sometimes completely out of the water. These plants are usually along the shoreline, but may extend quite a distance from the shore if water depth is very gradual or if they have buoyant structures such as large, hollow stems.
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Entire plant is usually below the water line unless it becomes "topped-out" in which case some parts of the plant may protrude above the water. Many of these plants can grow in 5- to 10-feet of water depending on visibility.
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A rooted plant with most of its leaves floating flat on the surface. A few species have some rigidity and can extend a little above the water line.
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Entire plant is floating.
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Simple, rootless plant consisting of clusters of filaments. Can be found growing on the bottom, on objects, or floating. Many genera difficult to identify without microscope.
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Microscopic, free-floating plants. May float on surface, forming a visible layer or may suspend below the surface, affecting the color of the water.
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