Explanation and Definitions 



Cover: Estimate the percent of wetted substrate area colonized by each of the plant categories listed, and 

 the percent area that is not colonized by any plants (see Bare Substrate, overleaf). Also, rank the types of 

 substrates that are available for colonization by plants (1 = substrate accounting for the most area, etc.). 



Amount: Record the relative amount of plant growth in each category as being light, moderate, or heavy 

 Light growth barely covers the substrate surface and is not immediately evident. Heavy growth extends 

 almost to the water surface or beyond. Moderate growth is intermediate between light growth and heavy 

 growth. 



Color: The colors of aquatic plants are clues to their identity and to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Plant 

 colors may span the spectrum of hues in the rainbow (see Microalgae below). Record the predominant 

 color of the plants in each of the categories present. 



Condition: Aquatic plants go through seasonal cycles of growth, maturity, and decay. The condition of a 

 plant or group of plants will indicate the stage of this seasonal cycle. Growing plants show new growth and 

 bright colors. Mature plants are larger but have more subdued colors because of age, epiphytes and 

 sediment deposits. Decaying plants display a loss of both pigmentation and physical integrity. Enter 

 growing, mature, or decaying. 



Microalgae: Microalgae are microscopic algae appearing as pigmented accumulations attached to or 

 resting upon submerged surfaces. This category commonly includes diatom "slimes" and films of green, 

 blue-green, or euglenoid algae in depositional areas. Colors may range through shades of yellow, red, 

 brown, green, blue and black. Included here are accumulations of "sewage fungus" (tan-gray) below 

 sources of organic pollution, "yellow boy" (yellow-orange) below mine adits, and iron bacteria (orange- 

 brown) in groundwater seeps and springs. 



Macroalgae: Macroalgae are macroscopic algae whose individual plants or colonies are visible to the 

 unaided eye. Macroalgae may be free-floating, or they may be attached to or resting upon submerged 

 surfaces. Examples of macroalgae include filamentous growth forms (Cladophora. Spirogyra, Ulothrix ), 

 plant-like algae with leaf-like structures {Chara, Nitella ), compact round or flattened colonies (Nostoc, 

 Rivulana), gelatinous masses (Chaetophora. Tetraspora), and short, tubular strands (Lemanea). Color is 

 highly variable, as it is with the microalgae. 



Moss: Mosses are primitive plants that are intermediate in complexity between algae and higher plants. 

 Mosses are common in cold-water habitats in western Montana. Mosses are typically green in color; the 

 shade of green varies with plant vigor and the amount of sediment accumulation. 



Macrophytes: Macrophytes or "higher plants" are distinguished from algae and mosses by their larger size 

 and by the presence of true leaves, roots and flowers. Rooted macrophytes typically colonize areas of 

 sediment deposition. Macrophytes may be free-floating (duckweed), submergent (pondweed), or emergent 

 (cattails, bulrush, water lily). 



Bare Substrate: Substrates may be void of plant growth because of toxic or sterile conditions or because 

 of recently scoured or unstable substrates. Rocks in mountain lakes and streams may appear to be barren 

 at first glance, but closer examination often reveals a very thin film of diatoms (microalgae) that feels 

 slippery or slimy to the touch. Similarly, nearshore sediment deposits that have not been disturbed for 

 several days will usually develop a film of microalgae. Examine these substrates closely. 



