10 Easy Pond Plants (US Natives)

Creating a planted pond is definitely rewarding, but picking the right plants can feel like a guessing game. If you want something that doesn’t need a ton of fussing over, there’s a surprisingly big selection of US native plants that are not just tough but practically take care of themselves.

These picks will liven up your pond and don’t demand the same attention as some of those fussy exotics – so you actually get to enjoy your handiwork instead of constantly maintaining it.

1) Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

If you want something pretty but not demanding, pickerelweed is a solid pick. It’s native to North America and loves shallow, fresh water. The clusters of purple flowers are a real treat from summer through fall.

Honestly, pickerelweed is pretty forgiving. Give it sun and water up to a foot deep and it’s happy. Plant it in rich, loamy soil for best results. It can spread quickly, so if it starts getting out of hand, just trim it back. Bonus: butterflies and helpful insects love it, so your pond will be buzzing (literally) with activity.

2) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Want to see more action by your pond? Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a native beauty that thrives in wet spots. Its bold red blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds. These perennials are pretty low-maintenance—they like wet soil and some shade, so they’re perfect for those soggy, awkward corners.

It’s easiest to start with seedlings or potted plants in spring, but if you’re patient, you can sow seeds in the fall. They shoot up to 2-4 feet tall, making them easy for hummingbirds to find. Just keep the soil damp and watch that tricky wet patch transform into a standout part of your yard.

3) Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

For a classic pond look, Broadleaf Arrowhead is a go-to. Its arrow-shaped leaves and little white summer flowers are easy to spot. It loves to keep its roots wet, so the edge of your pond is prime real estate for this one.

It’ll stretch up to 3 feet tall and can sprawl out 4 feet wide, so provides lots of cover for frogs and other critters. Maintenance? Not much! Just trim the dead stuff and clear out any gunk now and then. Give it a good spot and you’ll have it for years, no sweat.

4) Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)

Want a pop of color with almost no effort? Blue Flag Iris is hard to beat. This perennial is happy in soggy soil or standing water, and those blue blooms look fantastic along the pond’s edge.

It’s great for wildlife, too. When planting, space them out about two feet so they have room to spread. With a little care, they’ll shoot up to two or three feet and put on a show in spring and early summer.

5) Duck potato (Sagittaria lancifolia)

Duck Potato (or Sagittaria latifolia) is one of those plants you’ll wonder how you lived without. The arrowhead-shaped leaves are striking, and it fills out both shallow water and pond margins nicely.

It’s easygoing – just plant it in fertile soil and let it do its thing. It spreads on its own and doesn’t need much attention, so if you’d rather not babysit your pond, this one’s for you. The white flowers that pop up later in the season are a nice surprise, too.

6) American bur-reed (Sparganium americanum)

For a low-maintenance native, Bur Reed (Sparganium americanum) is worth a look. Its strap-like leaves and oddball, round flowers add interesting texture. It loves wet soil and does best at the edges of ponds, even if it’s partly underwater.

Besides looking cool, Bur Reed pulls its weight in the ecosystem. Waterfowl and marsh birds snack on its seeds, and its underwater tangles are a hideout for invertebrates and a buffet for fish. It’s a win-win for you and the local wildlife.

7) Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress is kind of an unsung hero for ponds. It grows fast, so you get a lush look quickly, and it’s great for critters, too. You can start it from seed in damp soil or just tuck an established plant into a wet spot and let it take off.

The main thing is to keep the water fresh and don’t let it get gunky. Watercress doesn’t need much else. Give it a trim when it gets wild, and as the weather cools, expect it to chill out a bit, too. Keep things moving with regular water changes and you’re set.

8) American marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)

The American Marsh Marigold is a cheerful addition, especially if you want something that can handle wet feet. Native to North America, it pops out yellow blooms in spring and does fine in standing water, even up to about six inches deep.

It’s about as low-maintenance as it gets. Plant it in spring and keep the soil moist. That’s pretty much it! Just let it brighten up your pond with almost no effort.

9) Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus)

Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus) is one of those quirky plants that brings a subtle charm to any pond. The heart-shaped leaves and drooping white flower spikes really do look a bit like a lizard’s tail. It can get up to 4 feet tall, but it’s not overwhelming.

Caring for it is easy. You just give it shallow water or moist soil and a spot that gets some sun or partial shade. Crush the leaves and you’ll catch a whiff of citrus, which is a fun bonus in the 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. Honestly, there’s something about the way this plant stands tall that just works – it adds a bit of drama and height to your pond’s look. It’s a tough perennial, happy in soggy spots at the water’s edge or even sitting in water that’s a foot deep.

And the best part? You don’t have to fuss over the soil. Softstem Bulrush isn’t fussy at all, and it’ll even put up with some salt if your water’s a bit brackish. Ducks and other wetland critters are all over it, too. They get food and a cozy hideout, so your pond turns into a mini wildlife hangout. Not bad for a plant that mostly minds its own business!