Watercress
Watercress is related to cabbage and is regularly consumed by humans because of its tangy flavor and because it contains high amounts of iron and folic acid. Watercress plants also produce small flowers that bloom in clusters and usually float on top of the water.
Water Lilies
There are 70 different kinds of water lilies that can be found in temperate and tropical climates. The lily's roots are attached to the bottom of the body of water, while the flowers and leaves float on top of the water. Hardy water lilies bloom during the day, while tropical water lilies can bloom any time of day or night.
Cattails
Cattails are highly recognizable and are named for their "tail-like" seed heads, which are soft and fuzzy, on top of thick stalks. Cattail shoots can reach heights of 9 feet. Like watercress, the shoots of cattails can also be eaten by peeling them open to eat the crunchy inside. Cattail shoots have high levels of niacin, riboflavin and vitamin C.
Papyrus
Papyrus is a sedge that is mainly found in swamps and other bottoms of shallow freshwater. The ancient Egyptians made paper from the stalks of papyrus. Papyrus can be found in a variety of climates, from subtropical to wet forests, and has made its way into Florida and Louisiana. Instead of large flowers, papyrus has green flowering heads and is pollinated by the wind, not by insects.
Article Written By Kelsey Childress
Kelsey Childress runs a freelance creative business called Awen Creative that specializes in SEO Web content, social media marketing and blogging. She has been writing for online and in-print publications for over six years, and has a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State University.
