The plants in a marsh provide protection for animals and birds. The plants also have big insect populations to provide food for many animals. Most animals also eat plants. These plants store energy form the sun’s rays and give lots of energy and carbohydrates to the animals that eat them.  

   Cattails are an interesting plant. They are also known as Typha Latifolia L. Cattails are edible. They capture sun rays and stores carbohydrates so they are a good source of food for animals and birds. In the early 1800’s, cattails were only found in the north Atlantic states and California. It spread rapidly through the country and in 1920 were found in Wisconsin for the first time.   

        The purple loosestrife is another interesting plant. They are 3-9 feet tall and have 1-50 stems. They have 5-6 petals per flower. The petals are pink or purple. People today are trying to get rid of it. Before they were in North America, purple loosestrife was a native plant in Europe and Asia. They were brought here as an ornamental plant but are now taking the place of wetland plants that provide more food. Now If you tried to plant it in your garden you could get a fine because they grow very fast and would possibly spread into wetland areas.

        The bulrush is a fascinating plant. It is part of the
sedge family. They are good for frogs and fish to lay eggs. Bulrush is an emergent vegetation. They are good shelter for the fish. Bulrush is sometimes called “woolgrass.” It looks like grass but really isn’t. They are normally 6 feet tall and an inch wide.