Native Aquatic Plants

​Besides just making your water garden look beautiful, native aquatic plants play a vital role in creating a healthy, balanced ecosystem in ponds. They create excellent habitat for small fish, frogs, insects, and other wildlife. Plants maximize oxygen levels in the water and reduce excessive ammonia levels. Their complex root systems help keep the water clean by filtering pollutants and nutrients from the water. The shade they provide reduces algae growth and allows fish to hide from predators. They also provide food for koi, goldfish, and the larvae of many aquatic insects. 

​Here are some of our favorite native plants to use on water features here in Michigan!

Canada Anemone
An excellent creeping plant. Plant in less than 2in of water. Grows 1-2ft tall, Prefers full to partial sun.
White flowers bloom May-July

Water Lilies
A fully aquatic plant with floating leaves and flowers. There are white and yellow varieties native to MI. They can be planted up to 5ft deep.

Water Shield
A fully aquatic plant that can grow up to 2ft deep. They have oval shaped floating leaves. Since they can spread quite quickly they should be contained to a pot in water gardens. 

Marsh Marigold
One of the earliest growing and blooming plants. Yellow flowers bloom April-May. Plant in <2in of water. Grows 1-2ft tall. Prefers full to partial sun.

Bottle Gentian
Blooms Aug-Sept. Plant in <2in of water. Grows 1-2' ft tall. Prefers full to partial sun.

Marsh Blazing Star
Pink flowers bloom July-Aug. Plant in <1in of water. Grows 3-4ft tall in full sun.

Pickerel Weed
Blue/purple flowers bloom July-Aug. Plant in 1-12'' of water. Grows 2ft tall in full sun.

Lizard's Tail
White flowers bloom in July. Plant in 1-12'' of water. Grows 1-2ft tall in partial sun to shade.

Soft Stemmed Rush
Plant in 1-4'' of water. Grows 1-3ft tall in full sun.

Blue Flag Iris
Blooms May-July. Plant in 1-6in of water. Grows 2-3ft tall. Prefers full to partial sun.

Cardinal Flower
Red flowers bloom July-Sept. Plant in <2in of water. Grows 2-4ft tall in full to partial sun.

Common Arrowhead
White flowers bloom late July to Sept. Plant in 1-12'' of water. Grows 2-3ft tall in full sun.

Sweet Flag
Plant in 1-6'' of water. Grows 2-4ft tall in full to partial sun.

Common Bur-Reed
Plant in 1-6'' of water. Grows 2-3ft tall in full sun.