Wetland Plants Field Guide

Pickerel Weed (Pontedaria cordata L.) Pickerel weed has widespread distribution in fresh water where saliniities range from 0 - 0.5 ppt. It gives valuable wildlife support through the production of an abundance small fruits that are occasionally consumed by puddle ducks. Nutria and muskrat also feed on the basal portions of the plant. Pickerel weed is deeply rooted in soft mineral to organic soil that contributes to its efficacy in wetland capture of nutrients. 'Alamo' Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum) This clump-forming perennial can be found in freshwater marshes as well as those that are mildly saline.

Gulf Coast Marshay Cordgrass(Spartina patens (Ait.) Muhl.) Marshay Cordgrass is the dominant species of both Texas and Louisiana coastal marshes. It is an important wildlife plant. Muskrat, nutria, rabbits, and geese forage on the stems, leaves, and root systems. Mottled ducks often nest in stands of cordgrass growing in slightly elevated areas in and around marsh areas. Eastern Gammagrass(Tripsacum dactyloides)