Importance of
Littoral Plants:
Ever notice those strange plants that grow on the edges and shallow areas of our lakes? These plants are known as Littoral plantings. These plants create a healthy environment for the fresh-water lakes in our area.
A littoral plant can be defined as any aquatic plant along a lake shoreline. These littoral zones provide key habitats for wading birds, fish, and other aquatic invertebrates to forage or to find refuge within.
In addition, these plants often filter the fertilizer or other chemicals that are often placed on our lawns to create that lush green appearance. Water quality has been a major issue here in Southeast Florida and littorals act as a filter to improve water quality.
At JL, we use three primary types of littoral planting; Spike Rush, Arrowhead, and Pickerel Weed. In addition to flowering the shoreline with color, these plants may also assist to help stabilize lake shorelines, which can prevent dangerous erosion problems.
Finally, the plants can provide an aesthetically pleasing view with their array of flowers in a wide range of colors and natural beauty. Like any type of plant, these plants may need some minor maintenance which is being completed right now to keep them healthy and lush. In addition, you may also see work being done throughout the year to prevent algae from growing inside these planting zones.
So the next time you are walking by the lake and notice these plants, you can not only enjoy their beauty but know they are creating a healthy lake for our plants and wildlife.