Wetland restoration is on many people's minds but not everyone knows the best plants to use for restoration projects. Here are some plants that help prevent soil erosion, provide healthy habitat for aquatic creatures and transform shorelines and estuaries into gorgeous landscapes.
Aquatic Plants
These are native plants that set roots in a pond or other water source. Aside from the aesthetic beauty of plants like water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth and duckweed, they also nurture aquatic animals by providing nourishment and areas to hide from predators. Koi and other stocked garden ponds can use the plants for shade while gardeners enjoy the tranquility they provide. The plants help to restore habitat for displaced marine life and assist in balancing the wetland's ecosystem.
Grasses
These plants are easy to care for and to control because they are not woody. They grow in shallow waters and help to retain soil while filtering water. These plants attract colorful birds and add to the area's wildlife. Grasses and sedges like swamp milkweed offer colorful blooms atop tall stalks. From pinks, whites and lavenders, there are numerous flowering sedges and grasses to choose from.
Herbaceous Plants
Wetland restoration plants like reeds and cattails are well-known but herbaceous, or non-woody plants, offer textual variety and work well in wetland restoration. Sedges can be found in clumping growth patterns, such as the bushy tussock sedge. This variety arches and bends. Contrast the tussock sedge with the high-growing spike rush and you will create a plurality of healthy wetland conditions. The greater the variety of wetland, plants, the less likely it is for one plant species to dominate. A variety of plants are better able to withstand hazardous conditions.
Flowering Plants
Wetland plants assist in water-filtering, soil loss prevention and increased wildlife activity. Surprisingly, there are a range of flowering plants that also contribute to a healthy wetland while providing beauty. Cardinal flowers are high-growing plants crowned with brilliant red blooms. These stately, elegant plants do well in marsh-like conditions. Lobelia, hibiscus, irises and water-loving sunflowers, like ox-eye and swamp sunflowers, are flowering plants that thrive in moist conditions.
When choosing plants for wetland restoration be certain to choose a variety of plants that are capable of withstanding your region's specific conditions. Most wetland plants thrive in moist, fertile soils and require little attention once situated. Plants that grow via rhizome or bulbs will continue to provide beneficial restoration for years to come.
