To find suitable wetland plants for constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFCs), four commonly used wetland plants, including Canna indica, Cyperus alternifolius L., Acorus calamus, and Arundo donax, were investigated for their electrogenic performance and physiological changes during non-growing seasons. The maximum power output of 12.82 mW/m(2) was achieved in the A. donax CW-MFC only when root exudates were being released. The results also showed that use of an additional carbon source could remarkably improve the performance of electricity generation in the C. indica and A. donax CW-MFCs at relatively low temperatures (2-15 degrees C). However, A. calamus withered before the end of the experiment, whereas the other three plants survived the winter safely, although their relative growth rate values and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) significantly declined, and free proline and malondialdehyde significantly accumulated in their leaves. On the basis of correlation analysis, temperature had a greater effect on plant physiology than voltage. The results offer a valuable reference for plant selection for CW-MFCs. (C) 2017 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B. V.