Native Wetland Plants

Elymus virginicus or Virginia wild rye is a versatile shade tolerant cool season grass which grows just over 3' tall and offers great perennial competition against Japanese stiltgrass. The slightly drooping seed heads...

Equisetum fluviatile, Water horsetail, is a fairly slender medium-sized Equisetum growing 1-2' tall in dense dark green colonies along shorelines and shallow water. Although lacking true leaves or flowers, the upright stems of Wa...

Alisma subcordatum, water plantain, is a clump forming seed colonizer which thrives in permanently inundated quiet water. Water plantain becomes recognizable early in the growing season with its submerged strap ...

Polygonum amphibium, Water Smartweed, is a sprawling perennial with willow-like leaves, reddish stems, and clusters of small flowers found in shallow water along the margins of lakes, ponds, and streams. The rhizomes of Polygonum a...

Justicia americana, Water willow, grows from creeping rhizomes in large dense colonies submerged along the shorelines of lakes, ponds, and standing water. The hardiest of the Justicia species, the Water willow grows 1-2' t...

Decodon verticillatus, Water willow, is a perennial herb with a woody base at the bottom of its arching leafy stems. Decodon verticillatus is often found on the edges of standing water, lazy streams or marshy swamp...

Chelone glabra, White turtle head, is a deer resistant perennial perfect for shaded or woodland gardens with moist soil.  Striking white snapdragon like flowers are a great addition to the garden in late...

Zizania aquatica, Wild Rice, is a native grass found in marshes, pond edges, lakes, and rivers has an extremely branched inflorescence which produces edible grains for humans and wildlife. Although Wild Rice grows 8-10' tall, the s...

Cinna arundinacea, Wood reedgrass, is a strong competitor against Japanese stilt grass! The attractive Wood reedgrass grows well in fertile moist soil with light shade or dappled sunlight. Most growth occurs during the Summ...

Scirpus cyperinus, Woolgrass, gets its name from its fluffy ornamental inflorescence which stands at 4-5’and blooms from late July to early September.  Scirpus cyperinus is a clump forming fine textured broad leaf rush that is common in...

Solidago rugosa, Wrinkled Leaf Goldenrod, is a spectacular member of the Aster family.  Wrinkled Leaf Goldenrod explodes with yellow color to bring a naturalized brilliance to any wetland restoration project. Th...