Submerged plants have stems and leaves that grow entirely underwater, although some may also have floating leaves. Flowers and seeds on short stems that extend above the water may also be present. Submerged plants grow from near shore to the deepest part of the littoral zone and display a wide range of plant shapes. Depending on the species, they may form a low-growing "meadow" near the lake bottom, grow with lots of open space between plant stems, or form dense stands or surface mats.
- Broad-leaf pondweeds
- Bushy pondweeds and naiads
- Canada waterweed
- Coontail
- Curly-leaf pondweed Invasive aquatic plant
- Diverse-leaved Pondweed Rare aquatic plant
- Eurasian watermilfoil Invasive aquatic plant
- Narrow-leaf pondweeds
- Northern watermilfoil
- Snailseed Pondweed Rare aquatic plant
- Wild celery