Pond Plants

Pond plants are a very important part of the Aquatic ecosystem in our ponds. Water lilies have beautiful flowers in the spring but serve another purpose in the ecosystem. The plants play a role in keeping our pond healthy, they help filter pond water by converting fish waste into plant food. They can help provide oxygen for our fish and protect them from predators while providing a place to hide.

During the day pond plants breathe in carbon dioxide and slowly release oxygen. In the evening, pond plants breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Water plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Plants use this carbon dioxide to produce energy for photosynthesis. Healthy pond plants consume nitrogen chemicals, such as, nitrates and phosphates that build up in the water. Plant foliage will absorb carbon dioxide and minerals from the water which will in turn, starve the algae. Pond plants are needed to prevent your pond water from looking green and muddy, as algae will grow out of control without these elements. Removing nitrates will eliminate algae so the water stays clear and light is able to reach the plants. Clear, clean water is essential to keeping our ponds healthy.

Four basic groups of pond plants: (1) oxygenating plants (2) floating plants (3) deep water 1-2ft (4) bog or marginal pond plants. Each is important and contributes to the health of our ponds. Aquatic plants provide a range of options for your water garden.

Star Flowers are simply elegant but not cold hardy in my ponds here in Oregon. Plants like these can weather over inside during the winter. Placed in the ponds during spring, they will start to grow again and offer abundant blooms through summer.

Yellow Iris

Rose Canna

Bog Bean