Duckweeds

aquatic plants · freshwater · tiny flowers

Floating water gardens. Duckweeds are small flowering plants that drift on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They can float freely or sit just below the water surface in fresh water and wetlands around the world.

Super speedy growers. Duckweeds are among the fastest-growing plants known to science. Some species can double their population in just a few days, making them incredibly successful at spreading across water.

Part of the arum family. Duckweeds are actually members of the arum family, which also includes familiar plants like calla lilies and philodendrons. Scientists call them the subfamily Lemnoideae because they evolved from within this larger plant family.

Perfectly pocket-sized. These plants are so tiny that some duckweeds are barely larger than a grain of rice. Their small size helps them float easily and pack densely across water surfaces like a living carpet.

Many different types. There are about 40 different species of duckweeds found in wetlands and freshwater habitats on nearly every continent. Each type has its own special shape and growing pattern.