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COMMON AQUATIC PLANTS OF THE SEPULVEDA BASIN WILDLIFE RESERVE
The term “aquatic plants” is used to describe plants that are found in or next to water.
 
 
 
Western goldenrod (Euthamia occidentalis) - Sunflower Family
  
 
This plant only occurs at the very edge of the Wildlife Lake, where the plant can have its roots in the water. In the fall it is one of the few flowering plants and attracts pollinators and predators such as spiders and praying mantids.
 
 
 
 

above, western goldenrod at edge of Wildlife Lake just north of outlet.
  

above, western goldenrod flowers in the fall.
   
 
 
   
 
Cattail (Typha spp.) - Cattail Family
  
 
The cattail is a perennial that grows about 10 feet tall. cattails grow in marshes, ponds and lakes.
Native Americans ate cooked cattail-root meal and cattail pollen mush. They used the stalks for matting, bedding and ceremonial bundles.
The are two species of cattail, narrow-leaved (Typha angustifolia) and broad-leaf (Typha latifolia). Cattails have a flat leaf.
  
 
 
 

above, cattails in Haskell Creek.
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
California Bulrush (Scirpus californicus) - Sedge Family
  
 
The bulrush can be distinguished from cattails by its 3-angled stems.
The Chumash Indians used the bulrush (or tule) for thatching for houses, mats for sleeping, skirts, sandles, and waterbottles.
  
 
 
 

above, California bulrush in Haskell Creek.
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
Willow water-weed (Polygonum lapathifolium) - Buckwheat Family
  
 
 
 
 
 
above, willow water-weed is common in the Wildlife Lake and along the Los Angeles River.
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
Water smartweed (Ludwigia peploides) - Evening Primrose Family
  
 
 
 

 
 
above, water smartweed sends stems out into the L.A. River.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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