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Bioswale Requirements and Plant Lists
Requirements
Size: Length and depth are variable. The bioswale’s size is determined by the size of the surface to be drained.
Light: Full sun is best, but shade may be created by the presence of trees or surrounding buildings.
Water: No additional watering should be necessary, once plants are established.
Elevation/Topography: Generally, a gradual slope is best in order to prevent a minimum of erosion during heavier rain storms. Erosion mats are available to help hold the soil, if the slope is steep.
Soil: Do not plan a bioswale where the soil is sandy.
Plant Materials: Hardy native plants with an established root system are best. Carefully consider light and water requirements when selecting the plant species. Planting and Maintenance: Because planting is occurring on a sloped area, plants with developed root systems should be put in place using the "How To Plant and Maintain Native Plants" guidelines. Staking or landscape netting may be necessary until roots take hold.
Special Considerations
Erosion: Erosion is probably the biggest problem to be faced with a bioswale.
Wildlife: This type of habitat is often a very attractive place for birds and other wildlife.
City Ordinances: Be sure to check on city regulations regarding any alterations of drainage ditches. Problems could arise if rainwater/snowmelt flow in a new direction, causing flooding or water retention.
Plant List for Dry Soil
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)
Canada milk vetch (Astragalus canadensis)
foxglove beardstongue (Penstemon digitalis)
hairy white aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)
hoary vervain (Verbena stricta)
Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
lupine (Lupinus perennis)
nodding wild rye (Elymus canadensis)
Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
pale coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
partridge pea (Chamaechrista fasciculata)
purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)
round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata)
sand coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
stiff aster (Oligoneuron album)
stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum)
switch grass (Panicum virgatum)
wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
Plant List for Medium Soil
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
blue wild indigo (Baptisa australis)
blue vervain (Verbena hastata)
brown-eyed susan (Rudbeckia triloba)
compass-plant (Siliphium laciniatum)
downy sunflower (Helianthus mollis)
foxglove beardstongue (Penstemon digitalis)
hairy white aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)
Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Indian plantain (Amoglossum atriplicifolium)
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
nodding wild rye (Elymus canadensis)
ox-eye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
pale coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
partridge pea (Chamaechrista fasciculata)
purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)
sand coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
showy tick trefoil (Desmodium canadense)
side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum)
sweet black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)
switch grass (Panicum virgatum)
white wild indigo (Baptisia alba)
wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
wild senna (Cassia hebecarpa)
yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)