The Vital Role of Wetland Plants in Ecosystem Health

These plants are used in the creation of natural-looking wetlands for habitat restoration. They are best planted en masse to establish a thick Ground Cover quickly. Once installed, the plants are straightforward to maintain.

Wetland plants consist of species that are commonly found in wetlands. These plants are aquatic or semi-aquatic, and they can live in wet soils before eventually flooding water. They have many properties that protect them from harsh, submerged conditions. For example, these plants may go dormant during dry seasons and drop leaves to prevent water loss, while some may even produce special chemicals that help repel insects or minimize algae growth on their leaves. Some popular wetland plants include cattails, irises, and rushes, which are all perennials.

Many of these plants provide habitats for various wildlife – ducks, muskrats, and beavers – creating the cover for protection and food by attracting insects and amphibians, such as frogs and snails. The leaves of wetland plants also eventually fall to the habitat's floor, where invertebrates collect them for food. These habitats are critical because they provide a stable and protected environment beneficial for wildlife and plant populations alike. Some species even live on land but grow their roots in water – these can be found both in temperate and tropical climates – so they, too, can be called Wetland Plants.

Planting Wetland Plants:

Wetlands consist primarily of aquatic or semi-aquatic (floating leaf) vegetation like cattails, irises, or rushes planted en masse to quickly establish a thick ground cover. Once installed, the plants are straightforward to maintain, needing only occasional mowing. People may even choose some wetland plantings for their ability to extinguish fires that might damage surrounding areas. Once installed, the plants are straightforward to maintain, needing only occasional mowing. People may even choose some wetland plantings for their ability to extinguish fires that might damage surrounding areas.