Native Plants for Shoreline / Ponds / Lakefronts / Stream Bank Planting
Natural, vegetated shorelines are essential for preventing erosion, filtering runoff, and supporting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Native plants, uniquely adapted to our climate and soil conditions, are ideal for stabilizing banks, enhancing biodiversity, and creating sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes. This page highlights native plants suitable for southern and eastern Ontario, including shrubs, wildflowers, vines, and grasses for both wet and dry conditions. By incorporating native species, you can protect your water's edge while creating a thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, and aquatic life.
Tips for your shoreline planting
Identify your high water line
Look for visible indicators, such as a change in vegetation, an erosion line, or a debris line where the high water levels previously reached. Above this line is typically dry, while below it tends to change as water levels fluctuate throughout the seasons, being moist or waterlogged during high water levels.
Assess site conditions
Consider soil type (clay, sand, or loam), light (full sun, part shade, or full shade), and moisture (wet, moderate, or dry).
Plan access routes
Identify areas where you’ll need easy access to the water. Avoid blocking these pathways with dense vegetation.
Preserve water views
For areas where you want to maintain views of the water, choose low-growing plants that won’t obstruct the line of sight.
Enhance privacy
To create privacy, plant denser clusters of shrubs or larger vegetation in strategic areas.
Incorporate trees
Don’t forget to include trees in your shoreline plan. As they grow, you can prune lower branches to maintain water views while still enjoying the benefits of shade. Shading the shoreline cools offshore water, benefiting aquatic wildlife and potentially reducing algae and excessive aquatic plant growth by limiting direct sunlight into the offshore water.
Upland · DrainedAbove the floodplain and high water line.
Lowland · Moist to wetWithin the floodplain and along the water’s edge.
Trees: Upland – Drained Soils, Above Floodline
These native trees not only stabilize soil and prevent erosion but also support local ecosystems. Select species based on your site's soil, light, and moisture conditions for optimal shoreline restoration success.
Coniferous Trees
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Balsam FirAbies balsamea | Prefers cool, moist soils; provides year-round cover for wildlife and stabilizes slopes. |
| White PinePinus strobus | Grows in a variety of soils, from moist to sandy; its deep roots prevent erosion. |
| White SprucePicea glauca | Thrives in well-drained to moist soils; excellent for windbreaks and erosion control. |
Deciduous Trees
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| BasswoodTilia americana | Thrives in moist, rich soils; provides shade and stabilizes stream banks. |
| Black CherryPrunus serotina | Tolerates a range of soils; its deep roots help stabilize upland slopes. |
| Bur OakQuercus macrocarpa | Adapts to dry or moist soils; suitable for flood-prone areas due to its tolerance for periodic wetness. |
| HackberryCeltis occidentalis | Tolerates a variety of conditions, including drought and wet soils; excellent for stabilizing banks. |
| Pin CherryPrunus pensylvanica | Grows in well-drained soils; establishes quickly and prevents soil erosion. |
| Red OakQuercus rubra | Prefers well-drained soils; its robust root system helps prevent erosion. |
| ServiceberryAmelanchier spp. | Prefers well-drained to moist soils; provides early-season blooms for pollinators and stabilizes banks. |
| Sugar MapleAcer saccharum | Prefers well-drained upland soils; a hardy, shade-tolerant species for shoreline edges. |
| White BirchBetula papyrifera | Grows in well-drained to moist soils; ideal for stabilizing shorelines and adding aesthetic appeal. |
| White OakQuercus alba | Thrives in dry to moist upland soils; provides food and habitat for wildlife. |
Trees: Lowland – Tolerate Flooding, Below Floodline
These lowland tree species are ideal for areas prone to periodic flooding, offering natural solutions for erosion control, improved water quality, and enhanced biodiversity.
Coniferous Trees
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Eastern HemlockTsuga canadensis | Prefers cool, moist soils; offers shade and stabilizes slopes near water. |
| TamarackLarix laricina | Thrives in wet, boggy soils; adds beauty with its golden fall foliage and supports wetland habitats. |
| White CedarThuja occidentalis | Grows in wet to well-drained soils; its dense roots stabilize banks and provide habitat for wildlife. |
Deciduous Trees
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Balsam PoplarPopulus balsamifera | Tolerates wet, nutrient-poor soils; effective in riparian zones for soil stabilization and habitat. |
| Black WillowSalix nigra | Grows in waterlogged soils; excellent for erosion control and filtering runoff. |
| Eastern CottonwoodPopulus deltoides | Prefers wet, sandy or loamy soils; fast-growing and effective for stabilizing floodplains. |
| Freeman's MapleAcer × freemanii | A hybrid of red and silver maple; thrives in wet soils, combining the resilience of silver maple with the vibrant fall color of red maple. |
| Red MapleAcer rubrum | Tolerates wet, acidic soils; ideal for flood-prone areas and erosion control with vibrant fall color. |
| River BirchBetula nigra | Adapts to wet or periodically flooded areas; resists erosion and tolerates fluctuating water levels. |
| Shagbark HickoryCarya ovata | Thrives in moist, rich soils; adds structural diversity and supports wildlife near water edges. |
| Silver MapleAcer saccharinum | Thrives in wet, riparian soils; fast-growing and excellent for stabilizing stream banks. |
| Yellow BirchBetula alleghaniensis | Prefers moist, cool soils; provides shade and stabilizes stream banks with its strong roots. |
Low Shrubs & Vines (Up to 1.5 metre) – Upland, Drained
These low growing shrubs are particularly suitable for upland areas, consider these for above the high water line. They provide erosion control, wildlife habitat, and beauty without blocking water views.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Bush HoneysuckleDiervilla lonicera | Grows in dry to moist soils; tolerates tough conditions while providing nectar for pollinators. |
| Common JuniperJuniperus communis | Grows in well-drained upland soils; drought-tolerant and provides excellent erosion control with its evergreen foliage. |
| Creeping JuniperJuniperus horizontalis | Tolerates dry, rocky soils; spreads across upland shorelines, providing erosion control and wildlife habitat. |
| Fragrant SumacRhus aromatica | Adaptable to dry, sandy soils; excellent for stabilizing slopes and erosion control. |
| MeadowsweetSpiraea alba | Prefers moist, well-drained soils; attracts pollinators with its white flower clusters. |
| Red-Osier DogwoodCornus sericea | Tolerates moist soils, controls erosion, and adds winter interest with its vibrant red stems. |
| Shrubby CinquefoilDasiphora fruticosa | Tolerates poor, sandy soils; drought-resistant with yellow flowers that support pollinators. |
| Shrubby St. John’s WortHypericum prolificum | Thrives in well-drained soils; adds vibrant yellow blooms and stabilizes banks. |
| Smooth Wild RoseRosa blanda | Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils; provides erosion control, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit. |
| Virgin’s BowerClematis virginiana | A vigorous vine for sunny or partly shaded sites; stabilizes banks and adds ornamental appeal. |
Low Shrubs & Vines (Up to 1.5 m) – Moist, Wet, Tolerant of Flooding
These low growing shrubs are particularly suitable for areas prone to flooding, providing valuable erosion control, wildlife habitat, and seasonal beauty without blocking water views.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| ButtonbushCephalanthus occidentalis | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its unique spherical flowers attract pollinators and provide erosion control. |
| MeadowsweetSpiraea alba | Tolerates wet conditions and flooding, attracting pollinators with its fragrant white flowers. |
| Sweet GaleMyrica gale | Adapts to wet, acidic soils and periodic flooding, providing stabilization and aromatic leaves. |
| Swamp RoseRosa palustris | Thrives in wet soils and tolerates flooding, providing vibrant pink blooms and erosion control. |
| SteeplebushSpiraea tomentosa | Prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate occasional flooding, offering pink flower clusters and erosion control. |
| SnowberrySymphoricarpos albus | Thrives in dry to moist, flood-prone soils, providing winter interest and food for wildlife with its white berries. |
| Virgin's BowerClematis virginiana | A hardy vine for wet or periodically flooded soils, stabilizing banks while offering ornamental appeal. |
| Witch HazelHamamelis virginiana | Can tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, adding winter interest with its unique yellow flowers. |
Larger Shrubs – Upland, Drained
These shrubs are well-suited for upland shorelines, offering stabilization, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| ChokeberryAronia melanocarpa | Prefers moist upland soils; provides erosion control and food for wildlife with its dark berries. |
| Canada PlumPrunus americana | Grows in well-drained soils; provides edible fruit and attracts pollinators while stabilizing banks. |
| ChokecherryPrunus virginiana | Adapts well to well-drained upland soils; provides wildlife food and stabilizes banks with its dense growth. |
| Gray DogwoodCornus racemosa | Suitable for moist upland soils; its dense growth provides erosion control and attracts pollinators. |
| Highbush CranberryViburnum trilobum | Thrives in well-drained upland soils; its berries provide food for birds and its dense growth offers erosion control. Can tolerate occasional flooding. |
| NannyberryViburnum lentago | Suitable for upland soils; attracts wildlife with its berries while providing erosion control. Can tolerate occasional flooding. |
| NinebarkPhysocarpus opulifolius | Thrives in upland conditions, tolerant of drought, and offers attractive foliage and flowers for pollinators. |
| Red ElderberrySambucus racemosa | Prefers moist upland soils; its berries attract birds and it provides erosion control. Good for shade. Gets 2 to 6 m tall. |
| ServiceberryAmelanchier alnifolia | Thrives in well-drained, upland soils; offers edible berries for wildlife and helps stabilize banks. |
| Staghorn SumacRhus typhina | Tolerates dry upland soils; its striking red fruit clusters provide food for birds and help stabilize the shoreline. |
Larger Shrubs – Moist, Wet, Tolerant of Flooding
These shrubs are tolerant of fluctuations in water levels. and are best below the floodline, and along the waters edge.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Bebb’s WillowSalix bebbiana | Prefers moist, flood-prone soils; its rapid growth helps prevent erosion and supports wildlife with early spring catkins. |
| ButtonbushCephalanthus occidentalis | Tolerates frequent flooding and wet soils; its unique spherical flowers attract pollinators and help stabilize banks. |
| Common ElderberrySambucus canadensis | Tolerates wet, occasionally flooded soils; its berries attract birds and provide erosion control. |
| Pussy WillowSalix discolor | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its early spring catkins provide nectar for pollinators while stabilizing banks. |
| Red Osier DogwoodCornus sericea | Tolerates flooding and wet conditions; its vibrant red stems provide winter interest and control erosion. |
| Sandbar WillowSalix exigua | Tolerates flooding and wet conditions; its fast-growing nature helps with bank stabilization and provides shelter for wildlife. |
| Silky DogwoodCornus amomum | Tolerates occasional flooding and moist soils, offering erosion control and attracting pollinators with its showy flowers. |
| Speckled AlderAlnus incana | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils and helps stabilize banks while providing habitat with its nitrogen-fixing ability. |
| WinterberryIlex verticillata | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its bright red berries provide winter interest and food for birds while helping to stabilize shorelines. |
Wildflowers, Grasses – Upland, Drained
These plants and grasses are well-suited for upland shorelines, offering both aesthetic beauty and valuable support for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and pollinator-friendly environments.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Big BluestemAndropogon gerardii | Adapts well to upland conditions; its deep root system provides erosion control while supporting wildlife. |
| Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta | Thrives in well-drained upland soils; its cheerful yellow flowers attract pollinators and add vibrant color. |
| Butterfly MilkweedAsclepias tuberosa | Prefers dry, well-drained soils; its bright orange flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. |
| Canada AnemoneAnemone canadensis | Grows in dry to moderately moist soils; its white flowers attract pollinators and it is excellent for erosion control. |
| Common YarrowAchillea millefolium | Prefers dry soils but can handle occasional moisture; its white flowers attract a variety of pollinators and provide an airy texture to gardens. |
| False SunflowerHeliopsis helianthoides | Tolerates dry, upland soils; its yellow flowers provide nectar for pollinators and add color to landscapes. |
| Foxglove BeardtonguePenstemon digitalis | Thrives in dry to moist, well-drained upland soils; its white tubular flowers attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, adding late spring color to landscapes. |
| Great Blue LobeliaLobelia siphilitica | Thrives in well-drained soils but can tolerate occasional moisture; its blue flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. |
| HarebellCampanula rotundifolia | Prefers dry, well-drained upland soils; produces delicate blue flowers and attracts pollinators. |
| Heath AsterSymphyotrichum ericoides | Thrives in upland soils; provides late-season nectar for pollinators with its tiny white flowers. |
| Indian GrassSorghastrum nutans | Prefers well-drained, upland soils; adds vertical interest and helps prevent erosion with its tall, golden plumes. |
| Little BluestemSchizachyrium scoparium | Thrives in upland soils; its drought tolerance and upright growth make it ideal for stabilizing banks and adding texture. |
| Mountain MintsPycnanthemum spp. | Adaptable and can grow in dry to wet conditions. It has aromatic foliage, and ability to attract pollinators. It helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. |
| New England AsterSymphyotrichum novae-angliae | Thrives in upland soils; its purple flowers attract pollinators and provide late-season nectar. |
| Pale Purple ConeflowerEchinacea pallida | Prefers dry to moderately moist soils; its unique pale purple flowers attract pollinators and provide vertical interest in the landscape. |
| Smooth AsterSymphyotrichum laeve | Grows in upland, well-drained soils; its purple flowers offer pollinator support in late summer. |
| SwitchgrassPanicum virgatum | Tolerates dry, well-drained soils; provides excellent erosion control and habitat for wildlife with its tall, ornamental grasses. |
| Wild BergamotMonarda fistulosa | Thrives in dry to moist upland soils; its lavender flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. |
Wildflowers, Grasses – Moist, Wet, Flood Tolerant
These plants are especially well-suited for areas that experience frequent flooding or standing water, providing erosion control, pollinator support, and aesthetic appeal.
| Plant | Growing conditions & benefits |
|---|---|
| Bee BalmMonarda didyma | Tolerates moist, flood-prone soils; its vibrant red flowers attract pollinators and provide color to wetland areas. |
| Blue Flag IrisIris versicolor | Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its striking blue flowers thrive in shallow water and attract pollinators. |
| BonesetEupatorium perfoliatum | Tolerates wet soils and occasional flooding; its white flowers attract butterflies and it helps with erosion control. |
| Broad-leaved ArrowheadSagittaria latifolia | Prefers shallow water or wet soils; its white flowers attract pollinators, and its tubers are a valuable food source for wildlife. |
| Canada AnemoneAnemone canadensis | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its white flowers attract pollinators and it is excellent for erosion control. |
| Canada Blue-Joint GrassCalamagrostis canadensis | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its tall, graceful growth provides excellent habitat and erosion control. |
| Cardinal FlowerLobelia cardinalis | Thrives in moist, flood-prone soils; its red flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. |
| Closed GentianGentiana andrewsii | Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its closed blue flowers attract bees and thrive in moist, poorly drained areas. |
| Marsh MarigoldCaltha palustris | Thrives in wet, flood-prone soils; its bright yellow flowers provide early-season nectar and color to wetland areas. |
| Monkey FlowerMimulus ringens | Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its purple-blue flowers attract pollinators and thrive in moist areas. |
| New England AsterSymphyotrichum novae-angliae | Thrives in upland soils; its purple flowers attract pollinators and provide late-season nectar. |
| Obedient PlantPhysostegia virginiana | Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of occasional flooding. Showy pink blooms in spike-like clusters and attract pollinators. This plant does spread. |
| Pickerel WeedPontederia cordata | Thrives in shallow water and wet soils; its purple flowers attract pollinators and provide visual interest in wetland areas. |
| Prairie CordgrassSpartina pectinata | Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its tall, dense growth helps stabilize wetlands and provides habitat for wildlife. |
| SedgesCarex spp. | Wetland sedges thrive in moist to wet soils, often in areas with standing water or frequent flooding. These grass-like plants provide excellent erosion control, habitat for wildlife, and contribute to biodiversity in wetland ecosystems. |
| Sneezeweed or HeleniumHelenium autumnale | Prefers moist soils and occasional flooding; its yellow flowers support pollinators in late summer. |
| Swamp AsterSymphyotrichum puniceum | Thrives in wet, flood-prone soils; its purple flowers provide late-season nectar for pollinators. |
| Swamp MilkweedAsclepias incarnata | Tolerates moist, flood-prone soils; its pink flowers attract pollinators, including monarchs. |
| White TurtleheadChelone glabra | Thrives in moist, flood-prone soils. Clustered white flowers shaped like a turtle head. |
Need help with shoreline restoration?
We offer consultations, planting services, and connections to landowner stewardship and grant programs. Email maya@naturalthemes.com for assistance.
Plant suitability depends on site conditions, including flood duration, soil, light, and local regulations. These are suggestions for planning, not an indication of current nursery availability.