Getting vegetation to survive/thrive when there are large water level fluctuations during the year can be challenging. I thought there might be some value to some folks with ponds like mine, with large water fluctuations, to share what I have done so far to establish what I consider desirable vegetation that can survive/thrive when water levels vary 4 or 5 feet thru the year in a Northern Illinois water table pond. I’m not saying I did it right or got it right, just sharing what I have done. The vegetation I’ve introduced to our pond so far was planted at low pool at the waterline or in a few inches of water. Exception was the lilies that were planted in 18 inches of water. I planted everything using a method RAH here on the forum recommended which was to plant the transplants in pond soil contained in burlap pouches and then just toss them in. For me, it worked great! If anybody has had success with other plants with large level fluctuations or has other thoughts, please jump in and share your experience or comments!

My hope is that all this vegetation will help control FA but you will see FA in most photos so I haven’t won the battle…yet!

Hardstem Bulrush




American Pond Weed (I think). This showed up on its own.




Redtip Eel grass (courtesy of a thoughtful PBF member). First year for this so we will have to wait and see how well it does.



Small Leaf Pond Weed. This also showed up on its own.




Common Spike Rush




Pickerelweed. Nice purple flowers most of the summer.




One of the Hardy Lilies its first year. We have three varieties.



Duck Potato. This has done very well and can now be found in many locations around the pond.




We also planted a couple Yellow Flag Iris this past summer so we hope they will take hold and add more color to the marginals. In addition, there appears to be a patch of cattails starting which I will be watching closely and keeping under control.

Looks great! I wonder if seed mixes meant for detention ponds would work well in water-table ponds.? I think detention ponds tend to have varying water levels so the same plants might work.

Detention ponds around here are designed to stay fairly dry except during and right after flooding. Many have bottoms covered with bermuda grass.

IMO interesting thought on the detention pond angle. Might be some cool plants available. Lots of sites selling "Bog" plants as well that might be worth checking out. I've read about Bermuda grass here on the forum and it seems popular. I don't think I have ever seen any though. Is it a grass grown mostly in the South? If yes, to me, that raises a good point. Just cause a plant works for me in Northern Illinois, doesn't mean it will work in say Texas and vice versa. IMO need to always keep in mind growing zones when selecting plants and look for plants native to our respective areas.

My wife and I gathered seed from existing marginal aquatics and prairie plants, and spread them on the banks of our new wetland yesterday. We'll do some transplanting in Spring if/when the wetland is full.

I think that is an incredible idea! We originally planted flowers and prairie on the site that our pond now occupies.





After moving all the topsoil to other areas, we are still finding cool plants from that original seeding showing up. We should harvest some seeds and take them back to the shore of the pond! Thanks for another great tip RAH!