Natural Wetland Components

Three main wetland plants (from Dr. Messer’s course on Wetland Design):

· Bulrush is the common name for a number of plants of the genus Scirpusfound in wetlands. Several species of bulrush commonly used in constructed wetlands thrive in the wide range of environmental conditions in constructed wetlands, including varying levels of water depth and quality. The large, terete bulrush species include S. validus, S. californicus, and S. acutus, all of which form dense stands with large numbers of round-sectioned stems that maintain an upright posture for one or more years. Other spe-cies of Scirpus include the three-square varieties, such as S. americanus (olynei), S. fluviatilis, and S. robustus, which offer tolerance to salinity, a variety of color shades, and attractiveness to various animal species.

· Cattail is the common name for a number of plants of the genus Typhathat are common in constructed wetlands in the United States, with at least three species predominant: T. latifolia, T. domingensis, and T. angustifolia. Along with their hybridized forms, these species occupynumerous water-depth and water-quality niches within constructed wetlands. The wetland designer is advised to consult local botanists and geographic references to determine which local cattail species or hybrid is best adapted to the specific water quality, water depth, and substrate planned for a constructed wetland.

· Common reed (Phragmites) probably is the most widely used plant in constructed wetlands on a worldwide basis, but it typically is not used in the United States. Although this plant has excellent growth characteristics in very shallow constructed wetlands, it is an invasive species in some natural wetlands, and its transport and intentional introduction to some localities are discouraged. Common reed is considered to offer little value as food or habitat for wet land wildlife species (Thunhorst, 1993).