River & Stream Biome Plants

Streams and rivers are moving bodies of freshwater, which usually originate high in the mountains. As they flow toward the oceans, streams and rivers change courses, combine with other bodies of water, and run through a variety of landscapes. Plants play an important part in the river and stream biome. They provide oxygen and food to animals and people, keep erosion at bay with their root systems, and provide shelter for many species.

  1. Algae

    • Algae provides food for animals and filters out pollutants.

      A great variety of algae grow in streams and rivers throughout the world. In some areas, algae merely covers rocks, making them slippery, and in other places algae grow prolifically, tinting the water green and making the whole stream appear lush and soft. Tiny animals such as insects and crayfish feast on algae, which contain many nutrients. Scientists from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor believe that algae acts as a filter for streams, filtering out pollutants.

    Mosses

    • Moss often grows on riverbanks.

      Mosses are sometimes confused with algae because they have a similar appearance, but mosses grow in dryer areas. They usually grow on rocks on the riverbank instead of in the water. Mosses don't have roots, but they absorb through their rhizomes, which are like stems. Moss must live in damp areas to survive, which is why it's often found in stream and river biomes.

    Cattails

    • Cattails are useful for many stream and river creatures.

      Found in wetland habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds and lakes, cattails have rhizomes instead of roots, just like moss. Cattails are tall, grass-like plants that can grow to be 10 feet tall. The male plants have flowers at the top of the stem. Cattails make great shelter for many animals that live in the stream and river biome. Birds, insects, muskrats, raccoons, frogs, salamanders, and fish all benefit from cattails. Frogs and salamanders lay their eggs in the water between cattails. Many species of insects eat them, and red-winged blackbirds are often seen perching atop cattails. Cattail rhizomes are edible for humans as well as for many other animals.

    Lily Pads

    • Lily pads are found in slow-moving streams and rivers.

      Found in temperate and tropical areas, lily pads grow long roots that anchor them to the soil beneath the water. They grow flowers, which close up at night in cooler areas and stay open all night in tropical areas. Lily pads have a waxy coating that makes them very durable and allows small animals to perch safely on them. Because they have a large surface area, lily pads produce a lot of oxygen.