Creating a calming water garden in your backyard can have huge benefits to both your garden aesthetic and native wildlife. You might be pondering which plants will offer the most bang for your buck when it comes to maintenance and care. The good news is, there’s a wealth of US native plants that are not only hardy but also easy to look after. They’ll bring life to your pond and require less pampering than their exotic counterparts, which means more time for you to sit back and enjoy the natural beauty you’ve nurtured.
1) Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
If you’re eyeing an attractive and manageable pond plant, pickerelweed is a great option. Native to North America, this aquatic plant thrives in shallow, freshwater environments. Expect clusters of striking purple flowers that can enhance your pond’s aesthetic from summer to fall.
Your upkeep for pickerelweed is straightforward. It’s a plant that adapts well to full sunlight and can handle water up to about a foot deep. You want to plant it in rich, loamy soil to encourage lush growth. Do watch out for its rapid spread; regular trimming will keep it in check and prevent overcrowding. This hardy plant is also a favorite landing spot for butterflies and beneficial insects, which can help create a more dynamic ecosystem in your pond area.
2) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Your garden by the pond will become more lively with the addition of cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), a native to the United States. Thriving in wet areas, this plant needs full to partial sun to produce its striking red flowers, which are a hit with hummingbirds. You’ll find caring for these perennials straightforward—they love wet soils and partial shade, making them perfect for rain gardens or alongside wetlands.
When planting, remember to opt for seedlings or potted starts in the spring. But if you’re more patient, sowing seeds in the fall works too. This fast-growing plant reaches 2 – 4 feet in height, allowing easy access for hummingbirds to feed on the nectar. Keep the soil consistently damp for best results, and watch your cardinal flowers turn that tough-to-fill wet spot into a vibrant point of interest.
3) Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
If you’re enhancing your pond with native vegetation, the broadleaf arrowhead is an excellent choice. You can recognize it by its arrow-shaped leaves and the small white flowers that bloom in summer. Thriving in shallow water, this plant prefers to keep its feet wet, so to speak, making the edges of your pond the perfect spot for it to settle.
As it grows, the broadleaf arrowhead reaches up to 3 feet in height and can spread out 4 feet across, providing ample cover for your pond’s ecosystem. Easy to maintain, you just need to trim back dead foliage and remove decaying matter to ensure its health. With a lifespan of about 10 years under ideal conditions, this vigorous grower will become a staple of your water garden for seasons to come.
4) Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
If you’re looking to add some charm to your pond with minimal effort, the blue flag iris could be your go-to plant. This perennial thrives in wet conditions and is known for its vibrant blue flowers that boast a stunning appeal by the water’s edge. You’ll find that caring for it is a breeze, as it requires standing water or consistently moist soil to flourish.
Your pond’s ecosystem will benefit from the blue flag iris, as it supports local wildlife. When planting, space them about two feet apart to allow for natural spreading. With appropriate care, these plants can reach two to three feet in height. Enjoy their lush foliage and striking blue blooms during the spring and early summer months.
5) Duck potato (Sagittaria lancifolia)
Duck potato, or Sagittaria lancifolia, is a perennial aquatic plant you’ll find indispensable for your pond. Its arrowhead-shaped leaves give it an ornamental look that provides lush coverage. You’ll see it growing happily both in shallow water or at the water’s edge, making it versatile for different pond settings.
With duck potato, you’ve got a plant that’s not just eye-catching but also practical. It spreads with ease and doesn’t need much to thrive, making it ideal if you’re after minimal fuss. The white blooms that show up later in the season are a nice bonus, too. Just plant it in fertile soil and watch it do its thing, adding life to your pond year after year.
6) American bur-reed (Sparganium americanum)
When you’re looking for easy-to-maintain US native pond plants, American bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) is a top pick. This perennial adds a touch of green with its strap-like leaves and brings a unique texture with its spherical, bur-like flowers that start off green and turn brown as they mature. You’ll find bur-reed thrives best in the wettest of soils, so it’s ideal for edges of ponds and lakes where it can handle being partially submerged.
Not only is it a hardy choice for your water features, but it also serves a significant ecological role. Waterfowl and marsh birds feast on its seeds, while its underwater portions offer a haven for micro and macro invertebrates, providing a food source for fish and other wildlife. This makes bur-reed not just a visually appealing addition to your pond, but also a contributor to the local ecosystem.
7) Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Watercress is a great choice for your pond, offering a fresh look and some practical benefits. You’ll find that it grows quickly, which means you can enjoy lush greenery in no time. It’s also great for the local ecosystem, as it can provide habitat and food for wildlife. When planting watercress, you can put seeds in damp soil or nestle established plants in wet conditions where they’ll thrive.
For best results, make sure the water remains fresh and isn’t allowed to stagnate. This plant doesn’t need a lot of fuss – a trim now and then keeps it in check. As the seasons change, watercress will naturally respond, usually with a decrease in foliage as cooler weather sets in. Keep your pond vibrant and your watercress happy with basic care and regular water changes.
8) American marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
You’ll find the American marsh marigold thrives in wet environments, making it a perfect addition to your pond’s edge. Native to North America, this hardy plant sports cheerful yellow flowers in the spring. When you’re planning your water garden, this species is ideal as it can tolerate standing water and prefers shallow depths, up to six inches.
Keep in mind that this plant is low-maintenance. You’ll want to plant it in the spring, giving it ample time to establish itself throughout the growing season. Remember to keep the soil moist, but rest assured, the American marsh marigold doesn’t need much fuss to provide a pop of color to your pond.
9) Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)
Lizard’s tail, scientifically known as Saururus cernuus, thrives along the edges of water sources like ponds and streams. You’ll recognize it by its heart-shaped leaves and the distinctive, drooping white flower spikes that, true to its name, resemble a lizard’s tail. This perennial plant can reach up to 4 feet tall and adds a delicate charm to your pond setting.
Caring for your lizard’s tail is simple. It prefers shallow water or moist soil. Your plant will enjoy a sunny to partly shaded spot, ensuring it receives the right amount of light. The foliage emits a pleasant citrus aroma when crushed, making it not just a visual addition but also an olfactory delight for your pond garden.
10) Softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani)
If you’re aiming to spruce up your pond with native US plants that are low-maintenance, the softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) should be on your list. You’ll love how this plant adds a vertical dimension to your pond’s scenery. It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in wet conditions, be it along the pond’s edge or submerged in water up to a foot deep.
What’s great is that you don’t need to worry too much about soil types—softstem bulrush isn’t picky. It can handle various salinity levels, which is a bonus if you have brackish water conditions. Plus, your pond life will thank you. This plant is a favorite among ducks and other wetland wildlife, offering both food and a safe haven.
