What type of wetland plant grows above the water surface?

Emergent plants are a category of wetland vegetation that are specifically characterized by their growth pattern. They typically have their roots anchored in the soil below the water surface while their stems and leaves extend above the surface. This adaptation allows them to thrive in shallow water areas, where the height above the water offers advantages for photosynthesis and reproduction.

Emergent plants can often be found along the edges of lakes, rivers, and marshes, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife, aiding in water filtration, and preventing erosion. Their structure includes tall reeds, cattails, and bulrushes, which are commonly associated with wetland environments.

The other types mentioned, such as submergent plants, are fully submerged underwater and do not break the surface, floating plants rest on the water's surface without any rooting structure in the substrate, and the term rooted plants is too broad and can encompass emergent, submergent, and floating species. Therefore, emergent plants are the correct choice in the context of the question.