Frogbit American Aquatic Plant
Limnobium spongia

Aka  Frog's-bit, Frog-bit

A native floating or rooted aquatic plant that is occasionally found growing in the shallow water of ponds, lakes and ditches from the peninsula west to the central panhandle of Florida.  Limnobium spongia blooms from summer to fall. Frogbit is located in the southeast quarter of the US, as well as a few states in the north, including, IN, IL, & even NY.  It is often confused with water hyacinth and European frogbit.
 
Frogbit’s leaves are very thick and leathery.  They are either rounded, or in younger plants, somewhat heart-shaped with rounded lobes.  Younger leaves tend to be bright and shiny above and reddish underneath.  The undersides of young leaves have a central disk of red spongy cells.  The leaf stalks have ridges on either side, and are firm.

This plant may be used in a pond since it will bloom small white flowers with yellow centers, but and is most popularly used in aquariums for several purposes:  To shade intense lighting.  To offer fish or animals a spawning refuge as the hanging roots are ideal for live bearers to birth in, or simply to add beauty to any aquarium habitat.  Lives well in all light conditions and does not require any special care.