Lake Erie Living Guide to Wetland Plants
Since the 1700s, more than 50 percent of the wetlands in the lower 48 states have been lost. In Ohio, the numbers are even more dramatic, with a 90 percent loss (only California wetlands have fared worse).
Flowering wetland plants are among the showiest of our native flora. But they offer far more than beauty; they are an important source of food for many species of wildlife. They also help the environment by filtering pollutants from the water.
Water smartweed
(Polygonum amphibium)
A showy member of the buckwheat family that blooms in the summer. It can spread quickly, forming large colonies that attract smartweed-seed-snacking ducks.
Common bladderwort
(Utricularia macrorhiza)
An interesting — and carnivorous — plant. Its snapdragon-like flower rises a few inches above the water on a naked stalk. Below water, the leaves have numerous tiny bladders used to catch microscopic prey.
American lotus
(Nelumbo lutea)
One of our largest aquatic wildflowers, this plant can grow up to 4 feet tall with 2-foot-wide leaves and yellowish-white flowers up to 10 inches wide.
Cardinal flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)
This spectacular wildflower grows in wet and damp areas and can reach 2 to 3 feet high. The brilliant red flowers have a deep tube that makes it difficult for most insects to pollinate, though hummingbirds can usually handle the job.
Swamp rose mallow
(Hibiscus moscheutos)
This plant grows up to 7 feet tall along the edges of marshes and ponds and boasts blooms up to 8 inches across.
Water shield
(Brasenia schreberi)
This plant forms dense mats on the water’s surface. The 5-inch-long leaves and stem have a thick, clear, gelatinous coating that protects the plant from insects and other pests.
Flowering wetland plants are among the showiest of our native flora. But they offer far more than beauty; they are an important source of food for many species of wildlife. They also help the environment by filtering pollutants from the water.
Water smartweed
(Polygonum amphibium)
A showy member of the buckwheat family that blooms in the summer. It can spread quickly, forming large colonies that attract smartweed-seed-snacking ducks.
Common bladderwort
(Utricularia macrorhiza)
An interesting — and carnivorous — plant. Its snapdragon-like flower rises a few inches above the water on a naked stalk. Below water, the leaves have numerous tiny bladders used to catch microscopic prey.
American lotus
(Nelumbo lutea)
One of our largest aquatic wildflowers, this plant can grow up to 4 feet tall with 2-foot-wide leaves and yellowish-white flowers up to 10 inches wide.
Cardinal flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)
This spectacular wildflower grows in wet and damp areas and can reach 2 to 3 feet high. The brilliant red flowers have a deep tube that makes it difficult for most insects to pollinate, though hummingbirds can usually handle the job.
Swamp rose mallow
(Hibiscus moscheutos)
This plant grows up to 7 feet tall along the edges of marshes and ponds and boasts blooms up to 8 inches across.
Water shield
(Brasenia schreberi)
This plant forms dense mats on the water’s surface. The 5-inch-long leaves and stem have a thick, clear, gelatinous coating that protects the plant from insects and other pests.