Colorful lily pads grow along the shallow edge of a freshwater lake in New England. Aquatic vegetation, which thrives during summer months, provides vital habitat for many fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

above abundance angiosperms aquatic below biology botany cape cod color image day ecosystem freshwater growth habitat horizontal lake leaf lily pads marine biology massachusetts murky natural light nature new england no people nymphaeaceae outdoors part of a series photography photosynthesis plant pond rays of light reed root sea life season shining split stem summer sunlight sunrays surface surface level underneath underwater vegetation water water lily water surface wilderness wildlife