ABSTRACT
Plants in the various types of wetlands and bio-retention basins have multifaceted roles. They have important engineering functions, but ecological contributions are a critical concern in sustainable development. This chapter addresses the selection of plants to achieve greater diversity, while managing the more complex installation and maintenance issues that diversity might pose. It addresses the physical and cultural characteristics of the most commonly specified plants for constructed wetlands around the world. The chapter describes the cultural, aesthetic, ecosystem and treatment capabilities of some of the plants that are commonly used in constructed wetlands. The plants have been divided into groups according to their ecological adaptation to inundation. Although approximately 150 species have been planted in constructed wetlands, by far the most frequently planted species are Typha latifolia, cattail; Phragmites australis, common reed; Typha angustifolia, narrowleaf cattail; Juncus effusus, common or soft rush; Scirpus (Schoenoplectus) lacustris, bulrush; Scirpus californicus and Phalaris arundinacea, reed canary grass. Another common genus is Eleocharis, spikerush.
