Native Plants
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| Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) |
Native plants consist of species that evolved within Wisconsin landscapes and occur naturally here. Their presence along the shoreline is essential to creating a healthy ecosystem. With their deep, often fibrous, root systems they hold soil in place, take up excess nutrients, absorb water runoff before it reaches the lake, and handle temperature/precipation variability better than non native plants. Their foliage provides an attractive frame for the picturesque lake scenery while their blooms, berries, and branches provide wildlife with necessary food and habitat. Planting a diversity of species in a wide range of heights (think trees, shrubs, and groundcover) helps to create a thriving ecosystem for the widest variety of uses.
Some additional benefits of native plants include:
- Deep root systems that stabilize the soil and control erosion
- Reduce and filter water runoff
- Adapted to local climate and precipitation = LOW MAINTENANCE
- Removes the need to mow
- Disease and pest resistance
- Provide food and habitat for native wildlife
- Beautiful reminder of unique Wisconsin flora
To create a list of native plants suitable to the conditions found on your shoreline, including light, soil, moisture, and slope, click on the following link:
Customizing Your Shoreland Restoration Plan
Use these links to find a list of local greenhouses and nurseries that carry native plants as well as a list of common plants to use for shoreline restorations in Langlade County.
Local Greenhouses/Nurseries (PDF)
Common Plants for Langlade County Restorations (PDF)
Photos/Details of Common Plants for Restorations (PDF)