Types of Wetland Grass

Landscaping with native plants and grasses makes sense for a lot of reasons. Lawns and gardens that are indigenous require far less water, fertilizer and pesticides than plants that are imported. If your backyard has wet spots, or if you are landscaping around a lake, pond or other water feature, using wetland grass helps maintain the natural environment by filtering rain and groundwater and allowing it to percolate naturally through the soil. Choosing the right type of wetland grass will make it far easier to establish or restore a wetland area in your back yard.

Choosing the Right Type of Wetland Grass

Choosing the right type of wetland grass will make it far easier to establish or restore a wetland area in your back yard. The most important factor in choosing the right type of grass is the amount of moisture in the soil.

Grass for Moist Areas

Broomsedge, bluestem sedge and horsetail grass grow well in moist soil that drains well.

Types of Wetland Grass for Areas that Flood

Grasses that tolerate occasional flooding include clubhead cutgrass, Canadian rye and wild sea oats.

Types of Grass for Heavy Soil

Choose one of the bunchgrass varieties for heavy, clay-like soil.

Wetland Grass for Shorelines

If you live along the sea coast, be sure to choose grass types that tolerate salt water. Some choices include eastern gamagrass, inland sea oats and clubhead cutgrass.

Resources

• Read more about wetland plants.