Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Native aquatic vegetation

In the planning stages of a small goldfish/wild life pond approx. 20 x 15. I'm struggling to find information on native submerged plants (central Indiana zone 5b). So far I have come across hornwort and eel grass but I'm struggling to find other native oxygenators that won't take over the surface of the pond. I am looking for things that will give habitat without blocking the view. I'm thinking things 3' and under or slower growing that can be manages with a once or twice a year trim. Suggestions?

Please consider a different stocking plan than exotic goldfish if you are looking for a wildlife pond,

Decision is made but I am interested in the native aquatic vegetation I asked about.

Joe Snow's place is a good starting point.

https://www.joesnowaquaticplants.com/

I am not sure if Joe is still in business, but he did put together an excellent website.

Click on the link, and then click on the text that says "Aquatic plants available". He has the common name and the latin name for probably 50 pond plants, along with a good picture and a brief description of their growth habits.

If you see something you like, I would research it more on wikipedia. THEN try to find a source that sells the item you like.

The aquarium supply companies like: https://aquariumplants.com/
can also sell small versions of plants. If you pick the correct species for your habitat, they can grow to fill your pond's niches.

Finally, I would suggest searching for the people that build koi ponds and water features in your area. They will either be able to sell you some water plants themselves, or perhaps be able to direct you to their wholesaler.

P.S. Another option is to add a few plants to your pond that are notorious for spreading, but only do so via their root systems (by rhizomes, stolons, or tubers). Put these plants in large plastic planters that you sink at the preferred water depth for your chosen plant. This might allow you to have an attractive, but invasive, type of water lily that you would be able to keep under control.

DO NOT do this for aquatic plants that spread by fragmentation.

Good luck on your project!

There are 2 native plant nurseries in Indiana. One in Walkerton, the other in Muncie.

Cardno is in Walkerton. https://www.cardnonativeplantnursery.com/ Their catalog shows how tall the plants grow and what type of habitat they prefer.

Spence is in Muncie. http://www.spencenursery.com/Index/home.php

Both only sell wholesale, meaning that you have to buy plants by the flat or greater quantities.

If not having a resale number is the reason that they will not sell to you we can purchase the plants for you, but we will have to mark them up a bit to cover our costs in doing so.

Edit: If you are talking about how tall the underwater plants will grow, and don't want them growing to the surface, that will be difficult. Chara usually won't grow to the surface, Sago might not but that all depends on how deep the water is. Talk to them, they may have more information.