Knowledgebase

Native aquatic plants for lakes that are drawn down in winter #865632

Asked April 23, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT

Can you recommend plant species that would have beneficial effects on water quality, aren't invasive, and, importantly, would survive our winter temps when the lake level is drawn down by 5' or so for the winter months, exposing the plants to the elements unsheltered by water? I'm part of a lake community's volunteer group and we are hoping to be able to encourage healthy plant growth in our lake to improve water quality while avoiding anything that might spread too much and impede boat traffic. Any search results I've found have been relating to trying to reduce unwanted plant growth by drawing down, so I'm at a loss for what might actually take hold and grow. Our lake currently has very little plant life and we'd love to encourage some healthy diversity and create a stable population of non-nuisance vegetation.

Ashland County Ohio

Expert Response


 Thanks for your question; most interesting and thought provoking. Here are several plants that may be of interest to you.


Common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza LeConte)

Common Spikerush (Eleocharis palustris (L.)

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Common spatterdock (Nuphar advena)

Water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia)

Water Sedge (Carex aquatilis)

 I have also listed below your County OSU Extension should you wish to
contact them for advice also. You may also want to contact your Soil
and Water Conservation District for advice. Feel free to contact us
if additional assistance is necessary.


Thank you again for allowing us to help you with your gardening
questions. Here are some other helpful websites that may be of
interest to you:



BYGL
Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/
OSUE

Fact Sheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu
State
Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.osu.edu

Ask-An-Expert
website - https://extension.osu.edu/ask-an-expert

Ask-A-Master
Gardener website -
https://extension.osu.edu/https%3A/extension.osu.edu/ask-an-expert/ask-master-gardener-volunteer


Ashland County OSU Extension Office

110 Cottage St
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone:<personal data hidden>
Link:

Visit
the Ashland County Office website


Ashland County Soil and Water Conservation District

110 Cottage St
Ashland,Ohio 44805
 Phone: <personal data hidden>








MGV Seneca County Replied May 06, 2024, 5:32 PM EDT

Loading ...