Growth characteristics and nutrient removal capability of plants in subsurface vertical flow constructed wetlands

► Order of total influence value: Phragmites (63) > Typha (52) > Sparganium (46). ► The maximum root length and root volume of the plants had significant differences. ► Total biomass of Phragmites, Typha and Sparganium: 3.81, 2.86 and 4.22 kg m−2. ► Corresponding ratios of below- and aboveground N and P: 2 and 2, 2 and 4, 3 and 5. ► Total nitrogen distribution in plants at the end of the experiment: root > leaf > stem.