Effective Use of Native Plants in Wetland Habitats and Urban Landscapes
We think of wetlands in wild, remote areas. But these productive and ecologically important ecosystems go far beyond controlling erosion, reducing flood impacts, and managing stormwater. They also provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
The beauty of native wetlands can also grace urban settings. Native wetland species can flourish in urban landscapes, offering both aesthetic and environmental benefits. This article discusses how native wetland plants can be utilized to create thriving wetland habitats and be aesthetically integrated into urban environments.
The Importance of Wetlands and Native Plants
Wetlands are rich systems of plants and wildlife that provide essential ecosystem services. They enhance water quality, control erosion, and mitigate the destruction of floodwaters. At least one-third of all threatened and endangered species live in wetlands, making them vital for biodiversity conservation. Shorebirds, raptors, wading birds, and other waterfowl depend on wetlands for breeding and feeding grounds.
Native plants are the backbone of these biodiverse habitats. They have evolved to thrive in specific climates, soils, and water conditions, uniquely suited for wetland environments. Native grasses and sedges are pivotal in supporting wetland ecosystems by providing food and cover for wildlife, stabilizing soil, and preventing erosion.
Native Grasses and Sedges: The Foundation of Wetland Habitats
Native Grasses: A Haven for Nesting and Roosting
Native grasses are essential for supporting waterfowl and shorebirds throughout their lives. Two notable species are:
- Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) is a tall and robust grass that thrives in wetland environments. Its upright leaf blades offer ideal nesting and roosting sites for wetland species. Prairie Cordgrass also provides an abundant food source with its nutritious seeds and roots, making it important for geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Additionally, deer graze on its young foliage, further supporting local wildlife.
- Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): is a tall grass that provides excellent cover and food for wildlife.
Sedges: Supporting Wildlife and Stabilizing Ecosystems
Sedges are another critical component of wetland ecosystems. They provide food for birds like herons and egrets, which eat their fruits, tubers, and shoots. These food sources are especially valuable when other resources may be scarce during colder months. Sedges also play a key role in stabilizing wetland areas. Their extensive root systems help prevent erosion and are ideal for intermittent streams and marsh areas with fluctuating water levels.
Consider these sedges for your wetland project:
- Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta), which is known for its clumping growth habit, and provides excellent erosion control.
- Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea): is a versatile sedge that thrives in wet conditions and supports a variety of wildlife.
- Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis) is ideal for wetland edges and shallow water areas.
Why Native Grasses and Sedges Are Crucial for Wildlife
Native grasses and sedges are fundamental to the survival of wetland wildlife. They provide the necessary environment for feeding, nesting, and finding safety from predators. These plants serve as primary producers, creating a foundation for insects and small animals, which in turn feed waterfowl and other larger species. By fostering biodiversity and ecological balance, native grasses and sedges help maintain healthy and resilient wetland ecosystems.
Wetland Species in Urban Landscapes
Wetland species are not just for natural wetlands—they can also thrive in urban landscapes. Native wetland plants are well-suited to compacted, anaerobic urban soils and can tolerate periods of drought and high pH levels. They are also salt-tolerant, making them ideal for urban environments where salt runoff and salinated soils are often an issue.
Designing Urban Landscapes with Wetland Species
When designing urban and suburban landscapes with wetland species, consider the following principles for success:
1. Design with Landscape Goals in Mind: Whether it’s erosion control, drought tolerance, or aesthetic appeal, align your plant choices with your landscape goals.
2. Think of natural site qualities as assets rather than problems to overcome. Instead of fighting against natural site conditions like shade, wet clay, or steep slopes, use them to your advantage. Native plants found in the ‘wetland’ natural community have adapted to similar conditions, which can help create a unique and resilient landscape. Wetlands can create beautiful, desirable landscape features that add value to the property and increase the quality of life for its residents. These areas also can support watchable wildlife, including birds and pollinators.
3. Use Native Plants in Three Layers: Incorporate woody plants for structure, seasonal perennials for color, and ground-cover plants to prevent soil erosion. This layered approach helps maintain cool soil and discourages competitive weeds.
4. Make It Attractive and Legible: Create “frames” around planting beds with grass or paths. Lower landscape planting height is especially important in urban contexts to ensure the native landscape is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
5. Think Management, Not Maintenance. Allow natural processes like competition, succession, and disturbance to shape the landscape over time. As plants die out, naturalize, and spread, a robust and resilient planting will emerge.
Benefits of Using Native Wetland Species in Urban Settings
Integrating native wetlands and native wetland species into urban landscapes offers similar benefits to conservation settings:
- Drought Tolerance: Many wetland plants can tolerate periods of drought, making them ideal for urban environments with fluctuating water availability.
- Salt Tolerance: Species like sumacs and buttonbush are salt-tolerant, making them suitable for areas with salt runoff or salinated soils.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root systems of native grasses and sedges help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, even in compacted urban soils.
- Biodiversity Support: Native wetland plants enhance urban biodiversity by providing habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
- Visual Interest: Native wetland species are sometimes unfamiliar and, therefore underused in urban settings.
Conclusion
Native plants are essential for creating and maintaining healthy wetland habitats. From providing food and shelter for wildlife to stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, native grasses and sedges are crucial in supporting wetland ecosystems. Additionally, these species can be successfully integrated into urban landscapes, offering both environmental and aesthetic benefits.
For over 75 years, Forrest Keeling Nursery has been a leader in native plant production. Our patented RPM production technology delivers superior survivability and 2X faster growth and productivity, making our plants ideal for urban, suburban, and conservation wetland projects of any size. Contact us today to learn how we can help you restore and enhance your wetland ecosystems.
Forrest Keeling… where the best natives begin!