Mary Blickenderfer, University of Minnesota Extension Service, 888-241-0885

Are you overwhelmed by the long list of native plants to choose from when planning your shoreland revegetation project? In this article, shoreland specialists share their “short list” of native aquatic plant species - plants that have performed the best in restorations statewide. In upcoming newsletters look for the “short lists” of wet transition and upland plant species.

Before attempting an aquatic planting, it’s important to gain a historical perspective by inspecting your shoreline, viewing early aerial photos, or consulting with people who grew up on the lake or river to determine if aquatic plants once grew along your shore. If not, there is probably a reason (e.g., high wave energy) and an aquatic planting is not likely to succeed. If aquatic plants were present, determine which species they likely were by identifying aquatic plants growing near your property or reviewing the aquatic plant survey of your lake or river (contact your Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Area Fisheries Office).

Plan to reestablish only emergent aquatic plants, such as bulrush and arrowhead. Floating-leaf and submergent plants (e.g., water lilies and pondweeds) are more difficult to establish, but tend to colonize on their own once the emergent plants are in place. Your initial planting should include those species listed in the table below for your site conditions (firm or soft lake bottom) that also occur naturally in your lake or river. Additional emergent species can be planted once these have become established.

The type of plant product you choose will depend upon wave energy along your shore and availability.You can purchase larger containerized plants (1 gallon containers) for shores receiving moderate wave energy and pre-vegetated plant mats for shores with low wave energy (i.e., on smaller lakes or in protected bays). Or you can use in-lake transplants for shores receiving low to moderate wave energy. Determine the quantity of plants you will need based upon 3 feet staggered spacing of plants in 1-3 rows along the shore. No more than one third of the plant should be underwater when planted. Installation of a temporary wave break is recommended for most sites to protect your aquatic planting until it can become securely rooted. Consult with a shoreland specialist to determine the appropriate plant product and wave break for your site.

Finally, obtain a no-fee permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) before planting by sending in your completed “Application to Transplant/ Collect Aquatic Plants” at least 6-8 weeks prior to planting.

Shoreland specialists who contributed to the “short list”:

Bill Bartodziej - Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District

Lindy Ekola and Leilani Peterson - MN DNR

Mary Blickenderfer - U of MN Extension

References:

• Borman, S. et al. Through the Looking Glass.
• Diekelmann, J. and R. Schuster. Natural Landscaping.
• Nichols,S. Distribution and Habitat Descriptions of Wisconsin Lake Plants.
• Voss, E. Michigan Flora.

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