Table 1. Emergent plants for constructed wetlands (adapted from Schueler 1992 and Thunhorst 1993).

Recommended Species Scientific Name Maximum Water Depth* Notes
Arrow arum W 12 inches Full sun to partial shade. High wildlife value. Foliage and rootstocks are not eaten by geese or muskrats. Slow grower. pH: 5.0-6.5.
Arrowhead/duck potato W 12 inches Aggressive colonizer. Mallards and muskrats can rapidly consume tubers. Loses much water through transpiration.
Common three-square bulrush W 6 inches Fast colonizer. Can tolerate periods of dryness. High metal removal. High waterfowl and songbird value.
Softstem bulrush W 12 inches Aggressive colonizer. Full sun. High pollutant removal. Provides food and cover for many species. of birds. pH: 6.5-8.5.
Blue flag iris W 3 - 6 inches Attractive flowers. Can tolerate partial shade but requires full sun to flower. Prefers acidic soil. Tolerant of high nutrient levels.
Broad-leaved cattail** W 12-18 inches Aggressive. Tubers eaten by muskrat and beaver. High pollutant treatment, pH: 3.0-8.5.
Narrow-leaved cattail** W 12 inches Aggressive. Tubers eaten by muskrat and beaver. Tolerates brackish water. pH : 3.7-8.5.
Reed canary grass W 6 inches Grows on exposed areas and in shallow water. Good ground cover for berms.
Lizard's tail W 6 inches Rapid grower. Shade tolerant. Low wildlife value except for wood ducks.
Pickerelweed Pontedaria cordataW 12 inches Full sun to partial shade. Moderate wildlife value. Nectar for butterflies. pH: 6.0-8.0.
Common reed** W 3 inches Highly invasive; considered a pest species in many states. Poor wildlife value. pH: 3.7-8.0.
Soft rush W 3 inches Tolerates wet or dry conditions. Food for birds. Often grows in tussocks or hummocks.
Spikerush W 3 inches Tolerates partial shade.
Sedges Carex spp.W 3 inches Many wetland and several upland species. High wildlife value for waterfowl and songbirds.
Spatterdock W 5 ft, 2 ft minimum Tolerant of fluctuating water levels. Moderate food value for wildlife, high cover value. Tolerates acidic water (to pH 5.0).
Sweet flag W 3 inches Produces distinctive flowers. Not a rapid colonizer. Tolerates acidic conditions. Tolerant of dry periods and partial shade. Low wildlife value.
Wild rice W 12 inches Requires full sun. High wildlife value (seeds, plant parts, and rootstocks are food for birds). Eaten by muskrats. Annual, nonpersistent. Does not reproduce vegetatively.

*These depths can be tolerated, but plant growth and survival may decline under permanent inundation at these depths.

**Not recommended for stormwater wetlands because they are highly invasive, but can be used in treatment wetlands if approved by regulatory agencies.


This data adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/pdf/hand.pdf

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.