Native plants are critical to ecology of lakes, maintaining good water quality by proving shade and oxygen, stabilizing shorelines with their roots, and providing ideal habitat for fish and wildlife. Fast-growing exotics - like hydrilla, taro and water lettuce - often have negative impacts and require regular maintenance. Invasive exotics can be found in 96 percent of Florida's public waterways.
If you are unfamiliar, please consult with an aquatic management professional or the City of Maitland lakes division prior to cutting aquatic plants. Below are some common native plants that should be preserved whenever possible. Visit the online Florida Plant Atlas for more native plants.