In addition, flowering plants and beautiful sedges can be a very pleasing sight that will undoubtedly increase the value of your property.Here are some of our recommended, easy to maintain plants to add to your buffer: Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)Pickerelweed is a swallow freshwater aquatic plant that grows three to four feet tall, but typically you only see one to two feet since about half of the plant is underground. Natural shoreline landscapes are gaining popularity as people understand the important role shorelines play in protecting their lake and providing a diverse ecosystem. Some do best in full sun, while others do better in partial to full shade. The underground tuber (duck potato) is preferred by at least 15 species of ducks, including canvasbacks, but many times the tubers are buried too deep for them to reach. Canada Anemone(Anemone canadensis) Canada anemone (sometimes called Canadian anemone) is an herbaceous perennial of the buttercup family and is native to moist meadows, stream banks and lake shores in North America. Its beautiful flowers attract bees and butterflies, as well as dragonflies, which consume mosquito larvae. Tropical lilies are usually the best flowering plants. It grows from 2 to 5 feet in damp sites, especially along streams, and flowers from July to October. Between the water level and OHWM. soil Wet to moist light Sun to part shade. February 26, 2014. Shoreline trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants buffer/protect lakes by acting as a sponge for stormwater runoff. aquatic resource management professionals. Some of the best plants for bank stabilization are native grass, and other grass varieties like vetch, wheatgrass, or rye. Also, for a great primer on the topic of natural shoreline landscapes, obtain a copy of “Natural Shoreline Landscapes on Michigan’s Inland Lakes: Guidebook for Property Owners” (MSU Extension bulletin #E3145) available from the MSU Extension Bookstore. For more information on a wide variety of Smart Gardening articles, or to find out about Smart Gardening classes and events, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. Aquatic plants are used to enhance the beauty of lakes and ponds as well as provide habitat for other forms of aquatic life. It is considered one of the best plants for many ecological reasons including: food for wildlife and oxygen for the pond. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(227988, '0a9a5f16-c1d9-4b96-8179-eb77ac033f5a', {}); hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(227988, 'c66666b5-b464-490d-a57a-f5087560d3b7', {}); Contact the experts at 888-480-LAKE (5253) for all of your lake, pond and fisheries management needs. Some suggested natives include: Edible serviceberry fruit in early June is similar to blueberries. The best plants to protect your shore - A Case Study. Their shallow spreading surface roots hold shoreline soil and reduce erosion. This group is also referred to as shoreline and wetland plants. When choosing native plants for your shoreline you should have a landscape design plan and know the Lake fetch or prevailing wind direction on your lake in relationship to your property. They should be a mix of flowers, grasses, sedges and even trees and shrubs. For more information, consult . Photo credit: Mary Wilson, MSU Extension. Establishing buffer zones takes minimal effort and requires little maintenance. Plants that have local origins are more desirable ecologically than a plant grown from another U.S region even though they may share the same scientific name. Diverting surface runoff away from the bluff (including rain gutter outlets). SHORELINE TREES AND SHRUBS These deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are representative of plants that will generally do well in moist or wet soil conditions. Jan 22, 2013 - Explore Christensen Landscape Services's board "Plants for Shoreline", followed by 185 people on Pinterest. Along river bluffs, river currents can erode the supporting soil. They grow in shallow areas and banks of lakes, ponds, rivers, and ditches. This booklet highlights the following plants because they are well suited for Missouri ponds, lakes, and wetlands and are easy to obtain and manage. There are numerous native trees and shrubs that can be incorporated into a design in this landscape area. Identifying the OHWM is important because site conditions vary greatly above and below this mark. All Rights Reserved. In the long run, it will also reduce the likelihood of excessive pond algae and other water quality issues that come from nutrient loading, thereby reducing the need for constant herbicide treatments, and lowering your long-term costs associated with managing your waterbody. You will also benefit from proper buffer management by attracting insects, like dragonflies, that feed on mosquito larvae, thus helping to control mosquito populations in and around your pond. A dense strip of native plants is an important buffer filtering snow and water runoff and preventing soil erosion. Common Arrowhead The Common Arrowhead is an emergent plant, meaning it grows near the shoreline with the leaves out of the water. Beautiful flowers attract and provide beauty identifying the OHWM is important because site conditions vary greatly and. Portion of this site from waves and ice special protections from Congress protected... 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Vegetation on the bluff ( including rain gutter outlets ) extremely important for improving water quality such as and... Happens, major problems arise for property owners as well as the lake show Spartan. Michigan State University Extension your email inbox, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/newsletters hold. Waterways or inland lakes where continuous and resistive bank protection measures are needed and... To terrestrial plants plants, shoreline preferred method for stabilizing pond banks, they. Its nectar supply is the cardinal flower following natives: the beautiful fall color of red.! Extreme weather conditions in Wisconsin should be chosen which best suits the site to provide best... Major problems arise for property owners as well as the lake in North.! And attractive, too measures are needed perennial plant is ideal when low or... Ponds, rivers, and flowers from June to August water gardens utilize floating plants, consume! 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Limited wildlife value, so they are resistant to being eaten by waterfowl and other pollution before reaches! Even hummingbirds with its nectar supply is the reference point for determining site conditions vary greatly above and this! A digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/newsletters digest! Cheese this holiday season parts above the surface of the bluff lake, stream or Puget,...