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Minnesota Stormwater Manual

Difference between revisions of "Plants for swales"

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[[File:river bulrush.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=photo sedge|<font size=3>River bulrush sedge. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).</font size>]]
+
[[File:Plants for stormwater design.jpg|300px|thumb|alt=image of plant book|<font size=3>The tables and content on this page have been adapted from [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf “Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest”] (Daniel Shaw and Rusty Schmidt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2003).</font size>]]
 +
 
 +
{{alert|Swales can be an important tool for retention and detention of stormwater runoff. Depending on design and construction, swales may provide additional benefits, including cleaner air, carbon sequestration, improved biological habitat, and aesthetic value. See the section [[Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and sustainable stormwater management]].|alert-success}}
 +
 
 +
The tables and content on this page have been adapted from [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf “Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest”] (Daniel Shaw and Rusty Schmidt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2003). To obtain a free copy of this guidebook, telephone (651) 297-8679 or write to Operations and Environmental Review Section, Regional Environmental Management Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., Saint Paul, MN 55103-1402.
 +
 
 +
*'''Zone 1''': Submergent zone; 1.5 to 6 feet of water
 +
*'''Zone 2''': Emergent zone; 0 to 18 inches of water
 +
*'''Zone 3''': Wet meadow zone; permanent moistue
 +
*'''Zone 4''': Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms
 +
*'''Zone 5''':Upland zone; seldom or never inundated (the upland zone includes prairie and forest plant communities)
 +
 
 +
'''Zone 1 (Submergent zone)''' – The submergent zone is found in areas of 3-6 feet of water in wet ponds. Therefore, it is an unlikely zone to include in a Swale design, though exceptions may occur. Submergent vegetation makes up this zone because emergent vegetation generally does not grow deeper than 3 feet. Submergent species may float free in the water column or may root in the pool bottom and have stems and leaves that generally stay under water. Submergent species are important for wildlife habitat and pollutant removal, especially nitrates and phosphorus. Submergent species are not readily available from native plant nurseries and can be difficult to plant. Many submergent species establish on their own (Ogle and Hoag 2000).
 +
 
 +
'''Zone 2 (Emergent zone)''' – The emergent zone of a wet pond is generally 0 to 18 inches deep. It is often designed as benches within ponds to optimize the area for emergent plants. This zone is most common to Swale designs from the center of the Swale to, typically, the water quality stage elevation. Emergent plants are important for wildlife and evapotranspiration. They also provide habitat for phytoplankton, which play an important role in nutrient removal (Ogle and Hoag 2000). A wide variety of wetland species are adapted to the emergent zone. However, large fluctuations in water level and pollutants within wet ponds may limit the number of species.
 +
 
 +
'''Zone 3 (Wet meadow zone)''' – The wet meadow zone is a constantly moist area that can become inundated. The transition area between open water and the shoreline is prone to erosion. Therefore, it is an important area for plant establishment. This zone extends from Zone 2 to the Zone 4 and is common in swale designs. In addition to wet-meadow grasses, sedges, flowers and shrubs, such as dogwoods, willows, buttonbush and chokeberry, are well suited to this zone.
 +
 
 +
'''Zone 4 (Floodplain zone)''' – The floodplain zone is normally dry but may flood during snowmelt and after large storms. This zone can occur in Swales designed with 2-stages of inundation; one for water quality storage and the second for channel protection storage. It should be noted that small depression storage can be built into this zone as wetland storage areas for additional treatment and habitat enhancement. These depressions would be considered either Zone 1-3, depending on depth and duration of inundation. Floodplain zones are generally flat terraces and are common along rivers and streams. If a wet pond has a steep side slope, it may go directly from zone 3 (wet meadow zone) to zone 5 (upland zone) without having a floodplain zone. Floodplain species must be adapted to extremes in hydrology; they may be inundated for long periods in the spring and be dry during the summer. The ability of floodplain species to handle extremes in hydrology make them well suited to the edges of wet ponds and detention ponds.
 +
 
 +
'''Zone 5 (Upland zone)''' – The upland zone is seldom or never inundated. A wide variety of species are well adapted to the upland zone and their selection will depend on the site conditions.
 +
 
 +
==Zone 2 (Emergent zone)==
 +
[[File:Marsh marigold.png|500px|thumb|left|alt=plant photo|<font size=3>Marsh marigold, Zone 2. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).</font size>]]
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:750px;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:750px;"
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | '''Zone 2 - Emergent zone (0 - 18 inches of water)'''
+
| colspan="2" | <font size=4>'''Zone 2 - Emergent zone (0 - 18 inches of water)'''</font size>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Scientific name || Common name
 
| Scientific name || Common name
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|-
 
|-
 
| ''Scirpus validus'' || Soft-stem bulrush
 
| ''Scirpus validus'' || Soft-stem bulrush
−
|}
 
−
 
−
[[File:Awl fruited sedge.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=photo sedge|<font size=3>Awl-fruited sedge. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).</font size>]]
 
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[[File:Canada anemone.png|300px|thumb|left|alt=photo sedge|<font size=3>Canada anemone. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).</font size>]]
 
−
 
−
The tables and content on this page have been adapted from [[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf “Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest”] (Daniel Shaw and Rusty Schmidt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2003). To obtain a free copy of this guidebook, telephone (651) 297-8679 or write to Operations and Environmental Review Section, Regional Environmental Management Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., Saint Paul, MN 55103-1402.
 
−
 
−
*'''Zone 1''': Submergent zone; 1.5 to 6 feet of water
 
−
*'''Zone 2''': Emergent zone; 0 to 18 inches of water
 
−
*'''Zone 3''': Wet meadow zone; permanent moistue
 
−
*'''Zone 4''': Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms
 
−
*'''Zone 5''':Upland zone; seldom or never inundated (the upland zone includes prairie and forest plant communities)
 
−
 
−
'''Zone 1 (Submergent zone)''' – The submergent zone is found in areas of 3-6 feet of water in wet ponds. Therefore, it is an unlikely zone to include in a Swale design, though exceptions may occur. Submergent vegetation makes up this zone because emergent vegetation generally does not grow deeper than 3 feet. Submergent species may float free in the water column or may root in the pool bottom and have stems and leaves that generally stay under water. Submergent species are important for wildlife habitat and pollutant removal, especially nitrates and phosphorus. Submergent species are not readily available from native plant nurseries and can be difficult to plant. Many submergent species establish on their own (Ogle and Hoag 2000).
 
−
 
−
'''Zone 2 (Emergent zone)''' – The emergent zone of a wet pond is generally 0 to 18 inches deep. It is often designed as benches within ponds to optimize the area for emergent plants. This zone is most common to Swale designs from the center of the Swale to, typically, the water quality stage elevation. Emergent plants are important for wildlife and evapotranspiration. They also provide habitat for phytoplankton, which play an important role in nutrient removal (Ogle and Hoag 2000). A wide variety of wetland species are adapted to the emergent zone. However, large fluctuations in water level and pollutants within wet ponds may limit the number of species.
 
−
 
−
'''Zone 3 (Wet meadow zone)''' – The wet meadow zone is a constantly moist area that can become inundated. The transition area between open water and the shoreline is prone to erosion. Therefore, it is an important area for plant establishment. This zone extends from Zone 2 to the Zone 4 and is common in swale designs. In addition to wet-meadow grasses, sedges, flowers and shrubs, such as dogwoods, willows, buttonbush and chokeberry, are well suited to this zone.
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:750px;"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | '''Zone 3 - Wet meadow zone; permanent moisture'''
+
| colspan="2" | <font size=4>'''Zone 3 - Wet meadow zone; permanent moisture'''</font size>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Scientific name || Common name
 
| Scientific name || Common name
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|-
 
|-
 
| ''Spartina pectinata'' || Prairie cord grass
 
| ''Spartina pectinata'' || Prairie cord grass
−
|}
 
−
 
−
'''Zone 4 (Floodplain zone)''' – The floodplain zone is normally dry but may flood during snowmelt and after large storms. This zone can occur in Swales designed with 2-stages of inundation; one for water quality storage and the second for channel protection storage. It should be noted that small depression storage can be built into this zone as wetland storage areas for additional treatment and habitat enhancement. These depressions would be considered either Zone 1-3, depending on depth and duration of inundation. Floodplain zones are generally flat terraces and are common along rivers and streams. If a wet pond has a steep side slope, it may go directly from zone 3 (wet meadow zone) to zone 5 (upland zone) without having a floodplain zone. Floodplain species must be adapted to extremes in hydrology; they may be inundated for long periods in the spring and be dry during the summer. The ability of floodplain species to handle extremes in hydrology make them well suited to the edges of wet ponds and detention ponds.
 
−
 
−
'''Zone 5 (Upland zone)''' – The upland zone is seldom or never inundated. A wide variety of species are well adapted to the upland zone and their selection will depend on the site conditions.
 
−
 
−
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:1000px;"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | '''Zone 4 - Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms'''
+
| colspan="2" | <font size=4>'''Zone 4 - Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms'''</font size>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Scientific name || Common name
 
| Scientific name || Common name
Line 241: Line 235:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Spartina pectinata'' || Prairie cord grass
 
| ''Spartina pectinata'' || Prairie cord grass
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | <font size=4>'''Zone 5 - Upland zone; seldom or never inundated'''</font size>
 +
|-
 +
| Scientific name || Common name
 +
|-
 +
| Colspan=2 | '''Trees and shrubs'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Cornus racemosa'' || Gray dogwood
 +
|-
 +
| ''Populus tremuloides'' || Quaking aspen
 +
|-
 +
| ''Quercus bicolor'' || Swamp white oak
 +
|-
 +
| ''Viburnum lentago'' || Nannyberry
 +
|-
 +
| ''Viburnum trilobum'' || High bush cranberry
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Forbs and ferns'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Agastache foeniculum'' || Giant hyssop
 +
|-
 +
| ''Allium stellatum'' || Prairie wild onion
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arisaema triphyllum'' || Jack-in-the-pulpit
 +
|-
 +
| ''Artemisia ludoviciana'' || Prairie sage
 +
|-
 +
| ''Asclepias tuberosa'' || Butterfly milkweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster laevis'' || Smooth aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster lanceolatus (simplex)'' || Pacicled aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster macrophyllus'' || Bigleaf aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster pilosus'' || Frost aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Athyrium filix-femina'' || Lady fern
 +
|-
 +
| ''Boltonia asteroides'' || Boltonia
 +
|-
 +
| ''Epilobium angustifolium'' || Fireweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Galium boreale'' || Northern bedstraw
 +
|-
 +
| ''Helianthus  grosseserratus'' || Sawtooth sunflower
 +
|-
 +
| ''Heuchera  richardsonii'' || Prairie alumroot
 +
|-
 +
| ''Monarda fistulosa'' || Wild bergamot
 +
|-
 +
| ''Onoclea sensibilis'' || Sensitive fern
 +
|-
 +
| ''Potentilla palustris'' || Marsh cinquefoil
 +
|-
 +
| ''Pteridium aquilinum'' || Bracken fern
 +
|-
 +
| ''Pycnanthemum virginianum'' || Mountain mint
 +
|-
 +
| ''Ratibida pinnata'' || Yellow coneflower
 +
|-
 +
| ''Rudbeckia  subtomentosa'' || Brown-eyed susan
 +
|-
 +
| ''Smilacina racemosa'' || False Solomon's seal
 +
|-
 +
| ''Solidago flexicaulis'' || Zig-zag goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Solidago riddellii'' || Riddell's goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Solidago rigida'' || Stiff goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Tradescantia ohiensis'' || Ohio spiderwort
 +
|-
 +
| ''Veronicastrum  virginicum'' || Culver's root
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Grasses, sedges, and rushes'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Andropogon gerardii'' || Big bluestem
 +
|-
 +
| ''Panicum virgatum'' || Switchgrass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Schizachyrium  scoparium'' || Little bluestem
 +
|-
 +
| ''Sorghastrum nutans'' || Indian grass
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The emergent zone of a wet pond is generally 0 to 18 inches deep. It is often designed as benches within ponds to optimize the area for emergent plants. This zone is most common to Swale designs from the center of the Swale to, typically, the water quality stage elevation. Emergent plants are important for wildlife and evapotranspiration. They also provide habitat for phytoplankton, which play an important role in nutrient removal (Ogle and Hoag 2000). A wide variety of wetland species are adapted to the emergent zone. However, large fluctuations in water level and pollutants within wet ponds may limit the number of species.
 +
 +
==Zone 3  (Wet meadow zone)==
 +
The wet meadow zone is a constantly moist area that can become inundated. The transition area between open water and the shoreline is prone to erosion. Therefore, it is an important area for plant establishment. This zone extends from Zone 2 to the Zone 4 and is common in swale designs. In addition to wet-meadow grasses, sedges, flowers and shrubs, such as dogwoods, willows, buttonbush and chokeberry, are well suited to this zone.
 +
 +
==Zone 4 (Floodplain zone)==
 +
The floodplain zone is normally dry but may flood during snowmelt and after large storms. This zone can occur in Swales designed with 2-stages of inundation; one for water quality storage and the second for channel protection storage. It should be noted that small depression storage can be built into this zone as wetland storage areas for additional treatment and habitat enhancement. These depressions would be considered either Zone 1-3, depending on depth and duration of inundation. Floodplain zones are generally flat terraces and are common along rivers and streams. If a wet pond has a steep side slope, it may go directly from zone 3 (wet meadow zone) to zone 5 (upland zone) without having a floodplain zone. Floodplain species must be adapted to extremes in hydrology; they may be inundated for long periods in the spring and be dry during the summer. The ability of floodplain species to handle extremes in hydrology make them well suited to the edges of wet ponds and detention ponds.
 +
 +
==Zone 5 (Upland zone)==
 +
The upland zone is seldom or never inundated. A wide variety of species are well adapted to the upland zone and their selection will depend on the site conditions.
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Images of Zone 2 and 3 plants for swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Marsh marigold.png|alt=plant photo|Marsh marigold, Zone 2. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:river bulrush.png|alt=plant photo|River bulrush sedge, Zones 2 and 3. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Awl fruited sedge.png|alt=plant photo|Awl-fruited sedge, Zone 3. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Culvers root.png|alt=plant photo|Culver's root, Zone 3. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Switchgrass.png|alt=plant photo|Switchgrass, Zone 3, 4. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Images of Zone 4 plants for swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Obedient plant.png|alt=plant photo|Obedient plant, Zone 4. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Canada anemone.png|alt=plant photo|Canada anemone, Zone 4. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Black chokecherry.png|alt=plant photo|Black chokecherry, Zone 4. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Cardinal flower.png|alt=plant photo|Cardinal flower, Zone 4. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Images of Zone 5 plants for swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Smooth aster.png|alt=plant photo|Smooth aster, Zone 5. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Butterfly milkweed.png|alt=plant photo|Butterfly milkweed, Zone 5. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Big bluestem.png|alt=plant photo|Big bluestem, Zone 5. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Yellow coneflower.png|alt=plant photo|Yellow coneflower, Zone 5. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Plants for wet and dry swales==
 +
[[File:Dry and wet swales.png|500 px|thumb|alt=dry and wet swale photo|<font size=3>Dry swale and wet swale (no check dams). Dry swales must drain within 48 hours to meet permit requirements and therefore typically utilize Zones 4 and 5 plants. Wet swales are always wet and utilize Zones 2, 3, and occasionally Zone 4 plants.</font size>]]
 +
 +
Dry swales, sometimes called grass swales, are similar to bioretention cells but are configured as shallow, linear channels. They typically have vegetative cover. Dry swales may be constructed as filtration or infiltration practices, depending on soils. If soils are highly permeable (A or B soils), runoff infiltrates into underlying soils. In less permeable soils, runoff is treated by engineered soil media and flows into an underdrain, which conveys treated runoff back to the conveyance system further downstream. Check dams incorporated into the swale design allow water to pool up and infiltrate into the underlying soil or engineered media, thus increasing the volume of water treated.
 +
 +
Wet swales occur when the water table is located very close to the surface or water does not readily drain out of the swale. A wet swale acts as a very long and linear shallow biofiltration or linear wetland treatment system. Wet swales do not provide volume reduction and have limited treatment capability. Incorporation of check dams into the design allows treatment of a portion or all of the water quality volume within a series of cells created by the check dams. Wet swales planted with emergent wetland plant species provide improved pollutant removal. Wet swales may be used as pretreatment practices. Wet swales are commonly used for drainage areas less than 5 acres in size.
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:750px;"
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | <font size=4>'''Select wet swale-appropriate plants'''</font size>
 +
|-
 +
| Scientific name || Common name
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Trees and shrubs'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Alnus incana'' || Speckled alder
 +
|-
 +
| ''Amorpha fruticosa'' || Indigo bush
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aronia melanocarpa'' || Black chokecherry
 +
|-
 +
| ''Betula nigra'' ||River birch
 +
|-
 +
| ''Cephalanthus occidentalis'' || Buttonbush
 +
|-
 +
| ''Cornus amomum'' || Silky dogwood
 +
|-
 +
| ''Cornus racemosa'' ||Gray dogwood
 +
|-
 +
| ''Cornus sericea'' || Red-osier dogwood
 +
|-
 +
| ''Ilex verticillata'' || Winterberry
 +
|-
 +
| ''Larix laricina'' || Tamarck
 +
|-
 +
| ''Physocarpus opulifolius'' || Ninebark
 +
|-
 +
| ''Salix discolor'' || Pussy willow
 +
|-
 +
| ''Salix exigua'' || Sandbar willow
 +
|-
 +
| ''Sambucus pubens'' || Red-berried elder
 +
|-
 +
| ''Spiraea alba'' ||Meadowsweet
 +
|-
 +
| ''Viburnum lentago'' || Nannyberry
 +
|-
 +
| ''Viburnum trilobum'' || High bush cranberry
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Forbs and ferns'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Agastache foeniculum'' || Giant hyssop
 +
|-
 +
| ''Alisma trivale'' || Water plantain
 +
|-
 +
| ''Anemone canadensis'' ||Canada anemone
 +
|-
 +
| ''Angelica atropurpurea'' || Angelica
 +
|-
 +
| ''Artemisia ludoviciana'' || Prairie sage
 +
|-
 +
| ''Asclepias incarnata'' || Marsh milkweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster lanceolatus (simplex)'' || Panicle aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster lucidulus'' || Swamp aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster novae-angliae'' || New England aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster puniceus'' || Red-stemmed aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Boltonia asteroides'' || Boltonia
 +
|-
 +
| ''Caltha palustris'' || Marsh marigold
 +
|-
 +
| ''Chelone glabra'' || Turtlehead
 +
|-
 +
| ''Equisetum fluviatile'' || Horsetail
 +
|-
 +
| ''Eryngium yuccifolium'' || Rattlesnake master
 +
|-
 +
| ''Eupatorium maculatum'' ||Joe-pye-weed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Eupatorium perfoliatum'' || Bonset
 +
|-
 +
| ''Euthanmia graminifolia'' || Grass-leaved goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Gentiana andrewsii'' || Bottle gentian
 +
|-
 +
| ''Helenium autumnale'' ||Sneezeweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Helianthus grosseserratus'' || Sawtooth sunflower
 +
|-
 +
| ''Impatiens capensis'' || Jewelweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Iris versicolor'' || Blueflag
 +
|-
 +
| ''Liatris ligulistylis'' || Meadow blazingstar
 +
|-
 +
| ''Liatris  pychnostachya'' || Prairie blazingstar
 +
|-
 +
| ''Lilium superbum'' || Turks-cap lily
 +
|-
 +
| ''Lobelia cardinalis'' || Cardinal flower
 +
|-
 +
| ''Lobelia siphilitica'' || Blue lobelia
 +
|-
 +
| ''Lysimachia  thrysiflora'' || Tufted loosestrife
 +
|-
 +
| ''Monarda fistulosa'' || Wild bergamot
 +
|-
 +
| ''Onoclea sensibilis'' || Sensitive fern
 +
|-
 +
| ''Osmunda regalis'' || Royal fern
 +
|-
 +
| ''Physostegia virginiana'' || Obedient plant
 +
|-
 +
| ''Polygonum amphibium'' || Water smartweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Pontederia cordata'' || Pickerelweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Potentilla palustris'' || Marsh cinquefoil
 +
|-
 +
| ''Pycnanthemum  virginianum'' || Mountain mint
 +
|-
 +
| ''Rudbeckia subtomentosa'' || Brown-eyed Susan
 +
|-
 +
| ''Sagittaria latifolia'' || Broadleaved arrowhead
 +
|-
 +
| ''Scutterlaria lateriflora'' || Mad-dog skullcap
 +
|-
 +
| ''Silphium perfoliatum'' || Cup plant
 +
|-
 +
| ''Solidago rigida'' || Stiff goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Sparganium eurycarpum'' || Giant burreed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Symplocarpus foetidus'' || Skunk cabbage
 +
|-
 +
| ''Thalictrum dasycarpum'' || Tall meadowrue
 +
|-
 +
| ''Tradescantia ohiensis'' || Ohio spiderwort
 +
|-
 +
| ''Verbena hastata'' || Blue vervain
 +
|-
 +
| ''Vernonia fasciculata'' || Ironweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Veronicastrum virginicum'' || Culver's root
 +
|-
 +
| ''Zizia aurea'' ||Golden alexanders
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Grasses, sedges, and rushes'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Andropogon gerardii'' || Big bluestem
 +
|-
 +
| ''Bromus ciliatus'' || Fringed brome
 +
|-
 +
| ''Calamagrostis canadensis'' || Canada blue-joint grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex aquatilis'' || Water sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex bebbii'' | Bebb's sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex comosa'' || Bottlebrush sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex crinita'' || Caterpillar sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex hystericina'' || Porcupine sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex lacustris'' || Lake sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex languinosa'' || Wooly sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex lasiocarpa'' || Wooly needle sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex retrorsa'' || Retrorse sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex stipata'' || Awl-fruited sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex stricta'' || Tussock sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex vulpinoidea'' || Fox sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Eleocharis obtusa'' || Blunt spikerush
 +
|-
 +
| ''Elymus virginicus'' || Virginia wild rye
 +
|-
 +
| ''Glyceria grandis'' || Giant manna grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Glyceria striata'' || Fowl manna grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Juncus balticus'' || Baltic rush
 +
|-
 +
| Juncus effusus || Soft rush
 +
|-
 +
| Juncus torreyi || Torrey rush
 +
|-
 +
| Leersia oryzoides || Rice-cut grass
 +
|-
 +
| Panicum virgatum || Switchgrass
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus acutus || Hardstem bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus atrovirens ||Green bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus cyperinus || Woolgrass
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus fluviatilis || River bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus pungens || Three-square bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| Scirpus validus || Soft-stem bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| Spartina pectinata || Prairie cord grass
 +
|-
 +
| Typha latifolia || Broadleaved cattail
 +
|}
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px; width:750px;"
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | <font size=4>'''Select dry swale-appropriate plants'''</font size>
 +
|-
 +
| Scientific name || Common name
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Forbs and ferns'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Anemone canadensis'' || Canada anemone
 +
|-
 +
| ''Artemisia ludoviciana'' || Prairie sage
 +
|-
 +
| ''Asclepias incarnata'' || Marsh milkweed
 +
|-
 +
| ''Aster puniceus'' || Red-stemmed aster
 +
|-
 +
| ''Euthanmia graminifolia'' || Flat-top goldenrod
 +
|-
 +
| ''Lobelia siphilitica'' || Blue lobelia
 +
|-
 +
| ''Pycnanthemum virginianum'' || Mountain mint
 +
|-
 +
| ''Verbena hastata'' || Blue vervain
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | '''Grasses, sedges, and rushes'''
 +
|-
 +
| ''Andropogon gerardii'' || Big bluestem
 +
|-
 +
| ''Bromus ciliatus'' || Fringed brome
 +
|-
 +
| ''Calamagrostis canadensis'' || Canada blue-joint grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex bebbii'' || Bebb's sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Carex vulpinoidea'' || Fox sedge
 +
|-
 +
| ''Elymus virginicus'' || Virginia wild rye
 +
|-
 +
| ''Glyceria striata'' || Fowl manna grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Juncus effusus'' || Soft rush
 +
|-
 +
| ''Panicum virgatum'' || Switchgrass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Scirpus atrovirens'' || Green bulrush
 +
|-
 +
| ''Spartina pectinata'' || Prairie cord grass
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | Useful sod-forming grasses
 +
|-
 +
| ''Agrostis palustris'' || Creeping bentgrass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Elymus sp.'' || Wheat-grass
 +
|-
 +
| ''Poa palustris'' || Fowl bluegrass
 +
|}
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Appropriate plants for dry swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Flat-topped goldenrod.png|alt=plant photo|Flat-topped goldenrod
 +
File:Creeping bentgrass.jpg|alt=plant photo|Creeping bentgrass. Source: [https://u.osu.edu/athleticfieldmanagement/2017/04/06/selective-creeping-bentgrass-control/ The Ohio State University]
 +
File:Fowl meadowgrass.jpg|alt=plant photo|Fowl meadow grass. Source: [http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/croptalk/2008/ct-0308a7.htm Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs]
 +
File:Virginia wild rye.png|alt=plant photo|Virginia wild rye
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Wet swale appropriate plants. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Black chokecherry.png|alt=plant photo|Black chokecherry
 +
File:Marsh marigold.png|alt=plant photo|Big bluestem
 +
File:Culvers root.png|alt=plant photo|Culver's root
 +
File:Obedient plant.png|alt=plant photo|Obedient plant
 +
File:Speckled alder.jpg|alt=photo speckled alder|Speckled alder (University WI Green Bay)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Plants appropriate for either dry or wet swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Mountain mint.png|alt=plant photo|Mountain mint
 +
File:Green bulrush.png|alt=plant photo|Green bulrush
 +
File:Blue lobelia.png|alt=plant photo|Blue lobelia
 +
File:Prairie sage.png|alt=plant photo|Prairie sage
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
<gallery caption="Plants appropriate for either dry or wet swales. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Canada anemone.png|alt=plant photo|Canada anemone
 +
File:Big bluestem.png|alt=plant photo|Big bluestem
 +
File:Switchgrass.png|alt=plant photo|Switchgrass
 +
File:Bebb's sedge.png|alt=plant photo|Bebb's sedge
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Pollinator specific plants==
 +
<gallery caption="Pollinator-specific plants. Click on an image for enlarged view." widths="140px">
 +
File:Black chokecherry.png|alt=plant photo|Black chokecherry, Spring. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Butterfly milkweed.png|alt=plant photo|Butterfly milkweed, Summer. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Stiff goldenrod.png|alt=photo stiff goldenrod|Stiff goldenrod, Fall. From [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/pfsd-section1.pdf Shaw and Schmidt] (2003).
 +
File:Obedient plant.png|alt=plant photo|Obedient plant
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
The [https://www.dot.state.mn.us/environment/erosion/pdf/native-seed-mix-dm.pdf MNDOT Seeding Manual] also provides standard seed mixes designed for the conditions and locations shown in the tables below, as well as application rates and specifications.
 +
 +
{{:Pollinator specific plants}}
 +
 +
==Additional links and information==
 +
*[[Minnesota plant lists]]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Minnesota_plant_lists#Salt_tolerance Salt tolerant plants]
 +
*[[Pollinator friendly Best Management Practices for stormwater management]]
 +
*[[Bioretention]]
 +
*[[Trees]]
 +
 +
Note that while the resources below provide extensive information on plants that can be used in swales, some of the references are for other areas of the country. If using these resources, ensure the information is applicable to Minnesota.
 +
*[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/plants-stormwater-design Plants for Stormwater Design] - Shaw and Schmidt
 +
*[https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/idpmcar2261.pdf StormWater Plant materials] - Boise Public Works
 +
*[http://www.spencenursery.com/Index/vegetated_swale.php Vegetated swale] - Spence restoration Nursery
 +
*[http://www.stopwaste.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Bay-Friendly%20Plant%20List_Swales.pdf Plants for vegetated swales] - StopWaste
 +
*[https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/contacts.html Native plant landscaping contacts] - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
 +
 +
<noinclude>
 +
 +
==Related pages==
 +
'''Dry swales'''
 +
*[[Terminology for swales|Terminology for swales (grass channels)]]
 +
*[[Overview for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[BMPs for stormwater infiltration|Types of infiltration]]
 +
*[[BMPs for stormwater filtration|Types of filtration]]
 +
*[[Design criteria for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Construction specifications for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Operation and maintenance of dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Assessing the performance of dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Calculating credits for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Cost considerations for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Case studies for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[Plants for swales]]
 +
*[[Check dams for stormwater swales]]
 +
*[[External resources for swales|External resources for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[[References for dry swale (grass swale)]]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Requirements,_recommendations_and_information_for_using_swale_without_an_underdrain_as_a_BMP_in_the_MIDS_calculator Requirements, recommendations and information for using dry swale (grass swale) without an underdrain in the MIDS calculator]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Requirements,_recommendations_and_information_for_using_swale_with_an_underdrain_as_a_BMP_in_the_MIDS_calculator Requirements, recommendations and information for using dry swale (grass swale) with an underdrain in the MIDS calculator]
 +
*[[Requirements, recommendations and information for using swale side slope as a BMP in the MIDS calculator]]
 +
 +
'''Wet swales'''
 +
*[[Terminology for swales]]
 +
*[[Overview for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[BMPs for stormwater filtration|Types of filtration]]
 +
*[[Design criteria for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[Construction specifications for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[Operation and maintenance of wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[Assessing the performance of wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[Plants for swales]]
 +
*[[Check dams for stormwater swales]]
 +
*[[Calculating credits for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Cost_considerations_for_dry_swale_(grass_swale) Cost considerations]
 +
*[[External resources for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[[References for dry swale (grass sawale)|References for wet swale (wetland channel)]]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Requirements,_recommendations_and_information_for_using_wet_swale_as_a_BMP_in_the_MIDS_calculator Requirements, recommendations and information for using wet swale in the MIDS calculator]
 +
*[[Requirements, recommendations and information for using swale side slope as a BMP in the MIDS calculator]]
 +
 +
'''High-gradient stormwater step-pool swale'''
 +
*[[Terminology for swales]]
 +
*[[Overview for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[BMPs for stormwater infiltration|Types of infiltration]]
 +
*[[BMPs for stormwater filtration|Types of filtration]]
 +
*[[Design criteria for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[Construction specifications for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[Operation and maintenance of high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[Assessing the performance of high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[Calculating credits for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[Check dams for stormwater swales]]
 +
*[[Plants for swales]]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Cost_considerations_for_dry_swale_(grass_swale) Cost considerations]
 +
*[[External resources for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
*[[References for high-gradient stormwater step-pool swale]]
 +
 +
Stormwater step pools are currently not included as a BMP in the MIDS calculator. The swale main channel BMP can be used, but the maximum allowable slope is 4 percent. To dtermine volume retention for slopes greater than 4 percent, you will need to develop a relationship between the slope and volume retained. To do this, determine volume retention at 0.5 percent slope increments for your site at slopes ranging from 0.5 to 4 percent. Determine the appropriate regression for volume retention and slope and calculate the volume retained at the slope for your site. The relationship is not linear. Links to MIDS calculator information are provided below.
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Requirements,_recommendations_and_information_for_using_swale_without_an_underdrain_as_a_BMP_in_the_MIDS_calculator Requirements, recommendations and information for using dry swale (grass swale) without an underdrain in the MIDS calculator]
 +
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Requirements,_recommendations_and_information_for_using_swale_with_an_underdrain_as_a_BMP_in_the_MIDS_calculator Requirements, recommendations and information for using dry swale (grass swale) with an underdrain in the MIDS calculator]
 +
*[[Requirements, recommendations and information for using swale side slope as a BMP in the MIDS calculator]]
 +
 +
[[Category:Level 3 - Best management practices/Structural practices/Wet swale]]
 +
[[Category:Level 2 - Technical and specific topic information/vegetation]]
 +
</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 17:15, 8 December 2022

image of plant book
The tables and content on this page have been adapted from “Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest” (Daniel Shaw and Rusty Schmidt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2003).
Green Infrastructure: Swales can be an important tool for retention and detention of stormwater runoff. Depending on design and construction, swales may provide additional benefits, including cleaner air, carbon sequestration, improved biological habitat, and aesthetic value. See the section Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and sustainable stormwater management.

The tables and content on this page have been adapted from “Plants for Stormwater Design: Species Selection for the Upper Midwest” (Daniel Shaw and Rusty Schmidt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2003). To obtain a free copy of this guidebook, telephone (651) 297-8679 or write to Operations and Environmental Review Section, Regional Environmental Management Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., Saint Paul, MN 55103-1402.

  • Zone 1: Submergent zone; 1.5 to 6 feet of water
  • Zone 2: Emergent zone; 0 to 18 inches of water
  • Zone 3: Wet meadow zone; permanent moistue
  • Zone 4: Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms
  • Zone 5:Upland zone; seldom or never inundated (the upland zone includes prairie and forest plant communities)

Zone 1 (Submergent zone) – The submergent zone is found in areas of 3-6 feet of water in wet ponds. Therefore, it is an unlikely zone to include in a Swale design, though exceptions may occur. Submergent vegetation makes up this zone because emergent vegetation generally does not grow deeper than 3 feet. Submergent species may float free in the water column or may root in the pool bottom and have stems and leaves that generally stay under water. Submergent species are important for wildlife habitat and pollutant removal, especially nitrates and phosphorus. Submergent species are not readily available from native plant nurseries and can be difficult to plant. Many submergent species establish on their own (Ogle and Hoag 2000).

Zone 2 (Emergent zone) – The emergent zone of a wet pond is generally 0 to 18 inches deep. It is often designed as benches within ponds to optimize the area for emergent plants. This zone is most common to Swale designs from the center of the Swale to, typically, the water quality stage elevation. Emergent plants are important for wildlife and evapotranspiration. They also provide habitat for phytoplankton, which play an important role in nutrient removal (Ogle and Hoag 2000). A wide variety of wetland species are adapted to the emergent zone. However, large fluctuations in water level and pollutants within wet ponds may limit the number of species.

Zone 3 (Wet meadow zone) – The wet meadow zone is a constantly moist area that can become inundated. The transition area between open water and the shoreline is prone to erosion. Therefore, it is an important area for plant establishment. This zone extends from Zone 2 to the Zone 4 and is common in swale designs. In addition to wet-meadow grasses, sedges, flowers and shrubs, such as dogwoods, willows, buttonbush and chokeberry, are well suited to this zone.

Zone 4 (Floodplain zone) – The floodplain zone is normally dry but may flood during snowmelt and after large storms. This zone can occur in Swales designed with 2-stages of inundation; one for water quality storage and the second for channel protection storage. It should be noted that small depression storage can be built into this zone as wetland storage areas for additional treatment and habitat enhancement. These depressions would be considered either Zone 1-3, depending on depth and duration of inundation. Floodplain zones are generally flat terraces and are common along rivers and streams. If a wet pond has a steep side slope, it may go directly from zone 3 (wet meadow zone) to zone 5 (upland zone) without having a floodplain zone. Floodplain species must be adapted to extremes in hydrology; they may be inundated for long periods in the spring and be dry during the summer. The ability of floodplain species to handle extremes in hydrology make them well suited to the edges of wet ponds and detention ponds.

Zone 5 (Upland zone) – The upland zone is seldom or never inundated. A wide variety of species are well adapted to the upland zone and their selection will depend on the site conditions.

Zone 2 (Emergent zone)

plant photo
Marsh marigold, Zone 2. From Shaw and Schmidt (2003).
Zone 2 - Emergent zone (0 - 18 inches of water)
Scientific name Common name
Forbs and ferns
Acorus calamus Sweet flag
Alisma trivale Water plantain
Caltha palustris Marsh marigold
Polygonum amphibium Water smartweed
Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed
Sagittaria latifolia Broadleaved arrowhead
Sparganium eurycarpum Giant burreed
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Carex aquatilis Water sedge
Carex lacustris Lake sedge
Carex stricta Tussock sedge
Juncus balticus Baltic rush
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Scirpus acutus Hardstem bulrush
Scirpus Fluviatilis River bulrush
Scirpus pungens Three-square bulrush
Scirpus validus Soft-stem bulrush
Zone 3 - Wet meadow zone; permanent moisture
Scientific name Common name
Trees and shrubs
Amorpha fruticosa Indigo bush
Salex nigra Black willow
Sambucus pubens Red-berried elder
Forbs and ferns
Thalictrum dasycarpum Tall meadowrue
Verbena hastata Blue vervain
Vernonia fasciculata Ironweed
Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's root
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Bromus ciliatus Fringed brome
Calamagrostis canadensis Canada blue-joint grass
Carex bebbii Bebb's sedge
Carex comosa Bottlebrush sedge
Carex crinita Caterpillar sedge
Carex hystericina Porcupine sedge
Carex languinosa Wooly sedge
Carex lasiocarpa Wooly needle sedge
Carex retrorsa Retrorse sedge
Carex stipata Awl-fruited sedge
Carex vulpinoidea Fox sedge
Eleocharis obtusa Blunt spikerush
Equisetum fluviatile Horsetail
Glyceria grandis Giant manna grass
Glyceria striata Fowl manna grass
Juncus balticus Baltic rush
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Juncus torreyi Torrey rush
Leersia oryzoides Rice-cut grass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Scirpus atrovirens Green bulrush
Scirpus cyperinus Woolgrass
Scirpus fluviatilis River bulrush
Scirpus pungens Three-square bulrush
Scirpus validus Soft-stem bulrush
Spartina pectinata Prairie cord grass
Zone 4 - Floodplain zone; flooded during snowmelt and large storms
Scientific name Common name
Trees and shrubs
Acer saccharinum Silver maple
Alnus incana Speckled alder
Amorpha fruticosa Indigo bush
Aronia melanocarpa Black chokecherry
Betula nigra River birch
Celtis occidentalis Hackberry
Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush
Cornus amomum Silky dogwood
Cornus sericea Red-osier dogwood
Fraxinus nigra Black ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark
Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood
Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak
Salix discolor Pussy willow
Salix exigua Sandbar willow
Salix nigra Black willow
Sambucus pubens Red-berried elder
Spiraea alba Meadowsweet
Viburnum lentago Nannyberry
Viburnum trilobum High bush cranberry
Forbs and ferns
Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Aster lucidulus Swamp aster
Aster puniceus Red-stemmed aster
Boltonia asteroides Boltonia
Impatiens capensis Jewelweed
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower
Lobelia siphilitica Blue lobelia
Lysimachia thrysiflora Tufted loosestrife
Physostegia virginiana Obedient plant
Potentilla palustris Marsh cinquefoil
Scutterlaria lateriflora Mad-dog skullcap
Silphium perfoliatum Cup plant
Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage
Vernonia fasciculata Ironweed
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Carex comosa Bottlebrush sedge
Elymus virginicus Virginia wild rye
Leersia oryzoides Rice-cut grass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Scirpus atrovirens Green bulrush
Spartina pectinata Prairie cord grass
Zone 5 - Upland zone; seldom or never inundated
Scientific name Common name
Trees and shrubs
Cornus racemosa Gray dogwood
Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen
Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak
Viburnum lentago Nannyberry
Viburnum trilobum High bush cranberry
Forbs and ferns
Agastache foeniculum Giant hyssop
Allium stellatum Prairie wild onion
Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sage
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly milkweed
Aster laevis Smooth aster
Aster lanceolatus (simplex) Pacicled aster
Aster macrophyllus Bigleaf aster
Aster pilosus Frost aster
Athyrium filix-femina Lady fern
Boltonia asteroides Boltonia
Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed
Galium boreale Northern bedstraw
Helianthus grosseserratus Sawtooth sunflower
Heuchera richardsonii Prairie alumroot
Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot
Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern
Potentilla palustris Marsh cinquefoil
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern
Pycnanthemum virginianum Mountain mint
Ratibida pinnata Yellow coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa Brown-eyed susan
Smilacina racemosa False Solomon's seal
Solidago flexicaulis Zig-zag goldenrod
Solidago riddellii Riddell's goldenrod
Solidago rigida Stiff goldenrod
Tradescantia ohiensis Ohio spiderwort
Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's root
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem
Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass

The emergent zone of a wet pond is generally 0 to 18 inches deep. It is often designed as benches within ponds to optimize the area for emergent plants. This zone is most common to Swale designs from the center of the Swale to, typically, the water quality stage elevation. Emergent plants are important for wildlife and evapotranspiration. They also provide habitat for phytoplankton, which play an important role in nutrient removal (Ogle and Hoag 2000). A wide variety of wetland species are adapted to the emergent zone. However, large fluctuations in water level and pollutants within wet ponds may limit the number of species.

Zone 3 (Wet meadow zone)

The wet meadow zone is a constantly moist area that can become inundated. The transition area between open water and the shoreline is prone to erosion. Therefore, it is an important area for plant establishment. This zone extends from Zone 2 to the Zone 4 and is common in swale designs. In addition to wet-meadow grasses, sedges, flowers and shrubs, such as dogwoods, willows, buttonbush and chokeberry, are well suited to this zone.

Zone 4 (Floodplain zone)

The floodplain zone is normally dry but may flood during snowmelt and after large storms. This zone can occur in Swales designed with 2-stages of inundation; one for water quality storage and the second for channel protection storage. It should be noted that small depression storage can be built into this zone as wetland storage areas for additional treatment and habitat enhancement. These depressions would be considered either Zone 1-3, depending on depth and duration of inundation. Floodplain zones are generally flat terraces and are common along rivers and streams. If a wet pond has a steep side slope, it may go directly from zone 3 (wet meadow zone) to zone 5 (upland zone) without having a floodplain zone. Floodplain species must be adapted to extremes in hydrology; they may be inundated for long periods in the spring and be dry during the summer. The ability of floodplain species to handle extremes in hydrology make them well suited to the edges of wet ponds and detention ponds.

Zone 5 (Upland zone)

The upland zone is seldom or never inundated. A wide variety of species are well adapted to the upland zone and their selection will depend on the site conditions.

Plants for wet and dry swales

dry and wet swale photo
Dry swale and wet swale (no check dams). Dry swales must drain within 48 hours to meet permit requirements and therefore typically utilize Zones 4 and 5 plants. Wet swales are always wet and utilize Zones 2, 3, and occasionally Zone 4 plants.

Dry swales, sometimes called grass swales, are similar to bioretention cells but are configured as shallow, linear channels. They typically have vegetative cover. Dry swales may be constructed as filtration or infiltration practices, depending on soils. If soils are highly permeable (A or B soils), runoff infiltrates into underlying soils. In less permeable soils, runoff is treated by engineered soil media and flows into an underdrain, which conveys treated runoff back to the conveyance system further downstream. Check dams incorporated into the swale design allow water to pool up and infiltrate into the underlying soil or engineered media, thus increasing the volume of water treated.

Wet swales occur when the water table is located very close to the surface or water does not readily drain out of the swale. A wet swale acts as a very long and linear shallow biofiltration or linear wetland treatment system. Wet swales do not provide volume reduction and have limited treatment capability. Incorporation of check dams into the design allows treatment of a portion or all of the water quality volume within a series of cells created by the check dams. Wet swales planted with emergent wetland plant species provide improved pollutant removal. Wet swales may be used as pretreatment practices. Wet swales are commonly used for drainage areas less than 5 acres in size.

Select wet swale-appropriate plants
Scientific name Common name
Trees and shrubs
Alnus incana Speckled alder
Amorpha fruticosa Indigo bush
Aronia melanocarpa Black chokecherry
Betula nigra River birch
Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush
Cornus amomum Silky dogwood
Cornus racemosa Gray dogwood
Cornus sericea Red-osier dogwood
Ilex verticillata Winterberry
Larix laricina Tamarck
Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark
Salix discolor Pussy willow
Salix exigua Sandbar willow
Sambucus pubens Red-berried elder
Spiraea alba Meadowsweet
Viburnum lentago Nannyberry
Viburnum trilobum High bush cranberry
Forbs and ferns
Agastache foeniculum Giant hyssop
Alisma trivale Water plantain
Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Angelica atropurpurea Angelica
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sage
Asclepias incarnata Marsh milkweed
Aster lanceolatus (simplex) Panicle aster
Aster lucidulus Swamp aster
Aster novae-angliae New England aster
Aster puniceus Red-stemmed aster
Boltonia asteroides Boltonia
Caltha palustris Marsh marigold
Chelone glabra Turtlehead
Equisetum fluviatile Horsetail
Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake master
Eupatorium maculatum Joe-pye-weed
Eupatorium perfoliatum Bonset
Euthanmia graminifolia Grass-leaved goldenrod
Gentiana andrewsii Bottle gentian
Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed
Helianthus grosseserratus Sawtooth sunflower
Impatiens capensis Jewelweed
Iris versicolor Blueflag
Liatris ligulistylis Meadow blazingstar
Liatris pychnostachya Prairie blazingstar
Lilium superbum Turks-cap lily
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower
Lobelia siphilitica Blue lobelia
Lysimachia thrysiflora Tufted loosestrife
Monarda fistulosa Wild bergamot
Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern
Osmunda regalis Royal fern
Physostegia virginiana Obedient plant
Polygonum amphibium Water smartweed
Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed
Potentilla palustris Marsh cinquefoil
Pycnanthemum virginianum Mountain mint
Rudbeckia subtomentosa Brown-eyed Susan
Sagittaria latifolia Broadleaved arrowhead
Scutterlaria lateriflora Mad-dog skullcap
Silphium perfoliatum Cup plant
Solidago rigida Stiff goldenrod
Sparganium eurycarpum Giant burreed
Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage
Thalictrum dasycarpum Tall meadowrue
Tradescantia ohiensis Ohio spiderwort
Verbena hastata Blue vervain
Vernonia fasciculata Ironweed
Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's root
Zizia aurea Golden alexanders
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Bromus ciliatus Fringed brome
Calamagrostis canadensis Canada blue-joint grass
Carex aquatilis Water sedge
Bebb's sedge
Carex comosa Bottlebrush sedge
Carex crinita Caterpillar sedge
Carex hystericina Porcupine sedge
Carex lacustris Lake sedge
Carex languinosa Wooly sedge
Carex lasiocarpa Wooly needle sedge
Carex retrorsa Retrorse sedge
Carex stipata Awl-fruited sedge
Carex stricta Tussock sedge
Carex vulpinoidea Fox sedge
Eleocharis obtusa Blunt spikerush
Elymus virginicus Virginia wild rye
Glyceria grandis Giant manna grass
Glyceria striata Fowl manna grass
Juncus balticus Baltic rush
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Juncus torreyi Torrey rush
Leersia oryzoides Rice-cut grass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Scirpus acutus Hardstem bulrush
Scirpus atrovirens Green bulrush
Scirpus cyperinus Woolgrass
Scirpus fluviatilis River bulrush
Scirpus pungens Three-square bulrush
Scirpus validus Soft-stem bulrush
Spartina pectinata Prairie cord grass
Typha latifolia Broadleaved cattail
Select dry swale-appropriate plants
Scientific name Common name
Forbs and ferns
Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sage
Asclepias incarnata Marsh milkweed
Aster puniceus Red-stemmed aster
Euthanmia graminifolia Flat-top goldenrod
Lobelia siphilitica Blue lobelia
Pycnanthemum virginianum Mountain mint
Verbena hastata Blue vervain
Grasses, sedges, and rushes
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem
Bromus ciliatus Fringed brome
Calamagrostis canadensis Canada blue-joint grass
Carex bebbii Bebb's sedge
Carex vulpinoidea Fox sedge
Elymus virginicus Virginia wild rye
Glyceria striata Fowl manna grass
Juncus effusus Soft rush
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Scirpus atrovirens Green bulrush
Spartina pectinata Prairie cord grass
Useful sod-forming grasses
Agrostis palustris Creeping bentgrass
Elymus sp. Wheat-grass
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass
  • Wet swale appropriate plants. Click on an image for enlarged view.
  • plant photo

    Black chokecherry

  • plant photo

    Big bluestem

  • plant photo

    Culver's root

  • plant photo

    Obedient plant

  • photo speckled alder

    Speckled alder (University WI Green Bay)

  • Plants appropriate for either dry or wet swales. Click on an image for enlarged view.
  • plant photo

    Mountain mint

  • plant photo

    Green bulrush

  • plant photo

    Blue lobelia

  • plant photo

    Prairie sage

  • Plants appropriate for either dry or wet swales. Click on an image for enlarged view.
  • plant photo

    Canada anemone

  • plant photo

    Big bluestem

  • plant photo

    Switchgrass

  • plant photo

    Bebb's sedge

Pollinator specific plants

  • Pollinator-specific plants. Click on an image for enlarged view.
  • plant photo

    Black chokecherry, Spring. From Shaw and Schmidt (2003).

  • plant photo

    Butterfly milkweed, Summer. From Shaw and Schmidt (2003).

  • photo stiff goldenrod

    Stiff goldenrod, Fall. From Shaw and Schmidt (2003).

  • plant photo

    Obedient plant

The MNDOT Seeding Manual also provides standard seed mixes designed for the conditions and locations shown in the tables below, as well as application rates and specifications.

Pollinator specific plants. Source: BWSR Pollinator Toolbox
Link to this table

Spring Summer Fall

Alumroot
American Basswood*
American Wild Plum*
Black Chokeberry
Broad-leaf Arrowhead
Blanketflower
Bloodroot^
Buttercups
Canada Anemone
Cherries*
Columbine^
Common Strawberry
Dogwoods
Dutchman’s Breeches*^
Elderberry
Field Blue-eyed
Grass Golden Alexander*
Hoary Puccoon Juneberries*
Large Flowered Bellwort^
Long-headed Thimbleweed
Lowbush Blueberry
Red Maple^
Large-Flowered Penstemon*
Nannyberry
Prairie Milk Vetch
Prairie Phlox
Prairie Smoke
Rue Anemone*
Solomon’s Seal
Spiderwort
Trillium Violets^
Virginia bluebells^
Virginia Waterleaf*^
White Baneberry^
Wild Lupine*
Wild Petunia
Willows (Salix sp.)

Angelica Bedstaws (Galium sp.)
Blazing Stars* (Liatris sp.)
Blue Lobelia*
Blue Vervain
Bottle Gentian
Bush Clovers
Buttonbush
Canada Anemone
Canada Milkvetch
Canada Tick Trefoil
Coreopsis*
Cow Parsnip
Culver’s Root*
Cup Plant*
Dogbane*
Dogwoods
Evening Primrose
False Indigo
False Sunflower*
Giant Hyssop*
Grass-leaved Goldenrod*
Harebell*
Hedge Nettle
Hoary Vervain*
Ironweed
Jewelweed
Joe-Pye Weed*
Large-leaved Aster^
Leadplant
Milkweeds*(Asclepias sp.)
Narrow Leaf Coneflower*
Native Loosestrifes
Native Thistles*
New Jersey Tea
Ninebark*
Obedient Plant*
Partridge Pea
Prairie Cinquefoil
Purple Prairie Clover*
Prairie Coneflower
Prairie Turnip
Prairie Wild Onion
Raspberries/Blackberries*
Smooth Sumac
Spotted Bee Balm
Snowberry/Wolfberry
Turtlehead
Virginia Mountain Mint*
Waterlilies
White Meadowsweet
Wild Bergamot*
Wild Indigo
Wild Iris
Wild Quinine*
Wild Mint
Smooth Wild Rose*
Yarrow

American Vetch
Annual Sunflower*
Black Eyed Susan Boneset*
Bugleweeds (Lycopus sp.)
Chickweeds Frost Aster*
Gentians*
Grass-leaved Goldenrod*
Maximilian’s Sunflower*
New England Aster*
Nodding Bur-Marigold*
Showy Goldenrod*
Sneezeweed*
Stiff Goldenrod*
Virginia Mountain Mint*
White Snakeroot^
Zig Zag Goldenrod*^

*High value for Pollinator Species
^Shade-tolerant species


Additional links and information

Note that while the resources below provide extensive information on plants that can be used in swales, some of the references are for other areas of the country. If using these resources, ensure the information is applicable to Minnesota.


Related pages

Dry swales

Wet swales

High-gradient stormwater step-pool swale

Stormwater step pools are currently not included as a BMP in the MIDS calculator. The swale main channel BMP can be used, but the maximum allowable slope is 4 percent. To dtermine volume retention for slopes greater than 4 percent, you will need to develop a relationship between the slope and volume retained. To do this, determine volume retention at 0.5 percent slope increments for your site at slopes ranging from 0.5 to 4 percent. Determine the appropriate regression for volume retention and slope and calculate the volume retained at the slope for your site. The relationship is not linear. Links to MIDS calculator information are provided below.

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This page was last edited on 8 December 2022, at 17:15.