Invasive fast grower for bog area

I have an area along a stream that contains several large underground springs. The area usually has about one-half to an inch of standing water over clay-based soil. I cannot mow the area as a result.

I am looking for a fast-growing invasive (yep invasive) plant that likes these conditions. I can mow off what travels beyond the bog. Cat-o-nine tails that I planted last year were eaten by the muskrat!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

GG

Cattails (Typha) are about as vigorous a plant as you'll get, but I'll add a few more ideas. Mix 'em up, and maybe you'll find more than a few that the muskrat doesn't care for.

Bulrushes (Scirpus) are good, as are regular rushes (Juncus). You'll find several species of sedges (Carex) that will appreciate wet conditions. Finally, the everlasting horsetail (Equisetum) will usually out-persist anything, and I doubt the muskrat will take to it too well.

If woody plants interest you, winterberries (Ilex verticillata) and silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) are often happy with wet feet.

Getting seed in addition to whole plants might make it easier to get a lot of vegetation going sooner.

Thanks VirbunumValley

I have some Sedge seeds ordered. I noticed a really fast growing Cat Tail that I might try. I'll check into Horse Tails and Bulrushes. That muskrat is a pain in the neck!

Thanks again,

GG

I'll second cattails, though the pickerel rush (Pontederia cordata?) does great in our water garden, too.
Also consider swamp rose, Rosa palustris.
(I'm afraid I don't know what muskrats like to eat!)
Another emergent that spreads well and might work is Lizards tail, Saururus cernus.
And maybe Cephalanthus occididentalis/buttonbush?

Good luck!
Teresa

Thanks Teresa.

Have some cattails ordered and on the way. Think I'll check out the swamp rose too. Also have some horse tails ordered.

GG

Goose neck loose strife is another rampant spreader that likes moist clay soils.
It's truly a beautiful plant - as long as it stays in someone else's yard.

I'll have to check that out Weerobin. Well, it can have the entire meadow, for all I care.

Thanks,

GG

My all-time least favorite: Houttuynia... I swear it will take over anything!! Pretty, though!
Jillann

Never heard of it, but will definitely give it a look.

Thanks.

I was just strolling around outside looking at my lovely Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'.
It's not in bloom yet, but it's gotten up to 7" of new growth this season, although it's considered to be a slow grower!

'Ruby' is planted right under one of my downspouts and I was thinking I should plant another where a drain empties because this one is so happy there.
Then I remembered this thread.

I don't know how tasty muskrat find clethra to be, but that might be a great shrub to plant near your springs!

Teresa

Thanks Teresa.

Well, I've taken the suggestions of you folks to heart. I have a good selection of plants that should be arriving soon. I hope they don't end up as a muskrat smorgasbord. LOL

GG

Hi Granny, the Pa. Dept. of Forestry asks folks not to plant any loosestrife as it has taken over the waterways, killing native plants and forcing wildlife to loose their food sources. Burning Bush and Privet are also on their UNWANTED list.Thanks, Mary

Granny, If you want something fern looking and varigated how about Artemisia Vulgaris Limelight? It is very pretty.

I'll certainly keep it in mind. Right now, I am waiting to see how long the plants I put down there survive the critters.

Thanks,

GG

Salix interior (sandbar willow)- Easy to propagate, all you do is take a stalk and push it into the shoal area. Do that every foot or so and you will have instant screen of shrub. Word of warning- plan on having it forever, because its difficult to get rid of.

Also, if you'd like a really big-leaved plant, check out Petacidies (also check out the spelling... ?)

Petasites spp.