Laserfiche WebLink
PEEvcous PAGE <br />Wetland plants in low area <br />between buildings. <br />THIS PAGE <br />(top) Wet area below a spring <br />grows wetland plants; (right) <br />Goldfinch on conefower, <br />(bottom) Restored prairie <br />pothole wetland <br />• <br />Important! Because of the variety of potential conditions <br />that you can create, and the potential side - effects of blocking <br />drainage ways, you should always consult an expert before <br />starting a wetland project. <br />What to plant <br />A wide variety of attractive plants can grow in wet areas. <br />Cattails and many varieties of reeds thrive in the open sun <br />and are easy to care for. Many species are not harmed by long <br />dry periods during the summer. Cardinal flowers, sweet flag, <br />and pickerel weed thrive in wet areas. Trees and shrubs like <br />black gum, water oak, red -osier dogwood, button bush, and <br />sweet pepper bush add texture, color, and beauty to <br />any landscape, and are adapted to poorly drained soil. A vari- <br />ety of attractive ferns, skunk cabbage, and Jack -in- the - pulpit <br />grow well in wooded wetlands that are damp and shaded. If <br />you create bog conditions of permanently damp organic soil, <br />you can grow native orchids, Venus flytrap, and sundew <br />Wildlife in your wetland <br />Many birds and small animals will quickly start using your <br />wetland. Usually frogs, toads, salamanders, and aquatic insects <br />will find your wetland during the first spring. A deep, perma- <br />nent pool, in the wetland can support native frogs, toads, and <br />possibly fish that will eat mosquito larva and other insects. <br />Most frogs and toads need spring pools in which to breed; <br />their tadpoles need shallow water for several weeks while <br />they mature. Wetlands that dry out in the summer can sup- <br />port a variety of plants and wildlife and will not produce <br />mosquitoes. <br />