Healthy shorelines are vital for preventing erosion, filtering runoff, and supporting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Native plants are uniquely adapted to our southern Ontario climate and soil conditions, making them ideal for stabilizing banks, enhancing biodiversity, and creating sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes. This guide categorizes Ontario-native shrubs, wildflowers, vines, and grasses based on their suitability for wet and dry conditions, providing practical solutions for shoreline, pond, lakefront, and stream bank planting. 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 be moist or waterlogged during high water levels.

Assess Site Conditions

• Soil Type: Is it clay, sand, or loam?
• Light Levels: Full sun, part shade, or full shade?
• Moisture Levels: Wet, average, 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.

Need help with your shoreline restoration?
We offer consultations, planting services, and connections to landowner stewardship/grant programs. Feel free to reach out to maya@naturalthemes.com for assistance.

UPLAND, Drained

Above Floodplain, above the high water line

LOWLAND Moist, Wet

Within Floodplain and along the water’s edge

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

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) – Prefers cool, moist soils; provides year-round cover for wildlife and stabilizes slopes.

White Spruce (Picea glauca) – Thrives in well-drained to moist soils; excellent for windbreaks and erosion control.

White Pine (Pinus strobus) – Grows in a variety of soils, from moist to sandy; its deep roots prevent erosion.

Deciduous Trees

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – Prefers well-drained upland soils; a hardy, shade-tolerant species for shoreline edges.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Prefers well-drained to moist soils; provides early-season blooms for pollinators and stabilizes banks.

White Birch (Betula papyrifera) – Grows in well-drained to moist soils; ideal for stabilizing shorelines and adding aesthetic appeal.

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – Tolerates a variety of conditions, including drought and wet soils; excellent for stabilizing banks.

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) – Grows in well-drained soils; establishes quickly and prevents soil erosion.

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) – Tolerates a range of soils; its deep roots help stabilize upland slopes.

White Oak (Quercus alba) – Thrives in dry to moist upland soils; provides food and habitat for wildlife.

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – Adapts to dry or moist soils; suitable for flood-prone areas due to its tolerance for periodic wetness.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – Prefers well-drained soils; its robust root system helps prevent erosion.

Basswood (Tilia americana) – Thrives in moist, rich soils; provides shade and stabilizes stream banks.

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

Tamarack (Larix laricina) – Thrives in wet, boggy soils; adds beauty with its golden fall foliage and supports wetland habitats.

White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) – Grows in wet to well-drained soils; its dense roots stabilize banks and provide habitat for wildlife.

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) – Prefers cool, moist soils; offers shade and stabilizes slopes near water.

Deciduous Trees

Freeman’s Maple (Acer × 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 Maple (Acer rubrum) – Tolerates wet, acidic soils; ideal for flood-prone areas and erosion control with vibrant fall color.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) – Thrives in wet, riparian soils; fast-growing and excellent for stabilizing stream banks.

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) – Prefers moist, cool soils; provides shade and stabilizes stream banks with its strong roots.

River Birch (Betula nigra) – Adapts to wet or periodically flooded areas; resists erosion and tolerates fluctuating water levels.

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) – Thrives in moist, rich soils; adds structural diversity and supports wildlife near water edges.

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) – Tolerates wet, nutrient-poor soils; effective in riparian zones for soil stabilization and habitat.

Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) – Prefers wet, sandy or loamy soils; fast-growing and effective for stabilizing floodplains.

Black Willow (Salix nigra) – Grows in waterlogged soils; excellent for erosion control and filtering runoff.

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.

Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) – A compact, drought-tolerant shrub; fixes nitrogen and attracts pollinators.

Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s Bower) – A vigorous vine for sunny or partly shaded sites; stabilizes banks and adds ornamental appeal.

Cornus sericea (Red-Osier Dogwood) – Tolerates moist soils, controls erosion, and adds winter interest with its vibrant red stems.

Dasiphora (Potentilla) fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil) – Tolerates poor, sandy soils; drought-resistant with yellow flowers that support pollinators.

Diervilla lonicera (Bush Honeysuckle) – Grows in dry to moist soils; tolerates tough conditions while providing nectar for pollinators.

Hypericum prolificum (Shrubby St. John’s Wort) – Thrives in well-drained soils; adds vibrant yellow blooms and stabilizes banks.

Juniperus communis (Common Juniper) – Grows in well-drained upland soils; drought-tolerant and provides excellent erosion control with its evergreen foliage.

Juniperus horizontalis (Creeping Juniper) – Tolerates dry, rocky soils; spreads across upland shorelines, providing erosion control and wildlife habitat.

Rosa blanda (Smooth Wild Rose) – Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils; provides erosion control, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit.

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac) – Adaptable to dry, sandy soils; excellent for stabilizing slopes and erosion control.

Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet) – Prefers moist, well-drained soils; attracts pollinators with its white flower clusters.

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.

Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its unique spherical flowers attract pollinators and provide erosion control.

Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s Bower) – A hardy vine for wet or periodically flooded soils, stabilizing banks while offering ornamental appeal.

Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) – Can tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, adding winter interest with its unique yellow flowers.

Myrica gale (Sweet Gale) – Adapts to wet, acidic soils and periodic flooding, providing stabilization and aromatic leaves.

Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose) – Thrives in wet soils and tolerates flooding, providing vibrant pink blooms and erosion control.

Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet) – Tolerates wet conditions and flooding, attracting pollinators with its fragrant white flowers.

Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush) – Prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate occasional flooding, offering pink flower clusters and erosion control.

Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) – Thrives in dry to moist, flood-prone soils, providing winter interest and food for wildlife with its white berries.

LARGER SHRUBS – Upland, Drained

These shrubs are well-suited for upland shorelines, offering stabilization, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal.

Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry) – Thrives in well-drained, upland soils; offers edible berries for wildlife and helps stabilize banks.

Aronia melanocarpa (Chokeberry) – Prefers moist upland soils; provides erosion control and food for wildlife with its dark berries.

Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood) – Suitable for moist upland soils; its dense growth provides erosion control and attracts pollinators.

Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark) – Thrives in upland conditions, tolerant of drought, and offers attractive foliage and flowers for pollinators.

Prunus americana (Canada Plum) – Grows in well-drained soils; provides edible fruit and attracts pollinators while stabilizing banks.

Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry) – Adapts well to well-drained upland soils; provides wildlife food and stabilizes banks with its dense growth.

Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac) – Tolerates dry upland soils; its striking red fruit clusters provide food for birds and help stabilize the shoreline.

Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry) – Prefers moist upland soils; its berries attract birds and it provides erosion control. Good for shade. Gets 2 to 6 m tall.

Viburnum trilobum (Highbush Cranberry) – Thrives in well-drained upland soils; its berries provide food for birds and its dense growth offers erosion control. Can tolerate occasional flooding.

Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry) – Suitable for upland soils; attracts wildlife with its berries while providing erosion control. Can tolerate occasional flooding.

LARGER SHRUBS – Moist, Wet, Tolerant of Flooding

Alnus incana (Speckled Alder) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils and helps stabilize banks while providing habitat with its nitrogen-fixing ability.

Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) – Tolerates frequent flooding and wet soils; its unique spherical flowers attract pollinators and help stabilize banks.

Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood) – Tolerates occasional flooding and moist soils, offering erosion control and attracting pollinators with its showy flowers.

Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood) – Tolerates flooding and wet conditions; its vibrant red stems provide winter interest and control erosion.

Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its bright red berries provide winter interest and food for birds while helping to stabilize shorelines.

Salix bebbiana (Bebb’s Willow) – Prefers moist, flood-prone soils; its rapid growth helps prevent erosion and supports wildlife with early spring catkins.

Salix discolor (Pussy Willow) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its early spring catkins provide nectar for pollinators while stabilizing banks.

Salix exigua (Sandbar Willow) – Tolerates flooding and wet conditions; its fast-growing nature helps with bank stabilization and provides shelter for wildlife.

Sambucus canadensis (Common Elderberry) – Tolerates wet, occasionally flooded soils; its berries attract birds and provide erosion control.

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.

Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) – Prefers dry soils but can handle occasional moisture; its white, flowers attract a variety of pollinators and provide an airy texture to gardens.

Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) – Adapts well to upland conditions; its deep root system provides erosion control while supporting wildlife.

Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone) – Grows in dry to moderately moist soils; its white flowers attract pollinators and it is excellent for erosion control.

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) – Prefers dry, well-drained soils; its bright orange flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell) – Prefers dry, well-drained upland soils; produces delicate blue flowers and attracts pollinators.

Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) – Prefers dry to moderately moist soils; its unique pale purple flowers attract pollinators and provide vertical interest in the landscape.

Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower) – Tolerates dry, upland soils; its yellow flowers provide nectar for pollinators and add color to landscapes.

Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) – Thrives in well-drained soils but can tolerate occasional moisture; its blue flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) – Thrives in dry to moist upland soils; its lavender flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) – Tolerates dry, well-drained soils; provides excellent erosion control and habitat for wildlife with its tall, ornamental grasses.

Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) – 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.

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) – Thrives in well-drained upland soils; its cheerful yellow flowers attract pollinators and add vibrant color.

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Thrives in upland soils; its drought tolerance and upright growth make it ideal for stabilizing banks and adding texture.

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) – Prefers well-drained, upland soils; adds vertical interest and helps prevent erosion with its tall, golden plumes.

Symphyotrichum ericoides (Heath Aster) – Thrives in upland soils; provides late-season nectar for pollinators with its tiny white flowers.

Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster) – Grows in upland, well-drained soils; its purple flowers offer pollinator support in late summer.

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) – Thrives in upland soils; its purple flowers attract pollinators and provide late-season nectar.

WILDFLOWER, 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.

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) – Tolerates moist, flood-prone soils; its pink flowers attract pollinators, including monarchs.

Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its white flowers attract pollinators and it is excellent for erosion control.

Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Blue-Joint Grass) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its tall, graceful growth provides excellent habitat and erosion control.

Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) – Thrives in wet, flood-prone soils; its bright yellow flowers provide early-season nectar and color to wetland areas.

Carex spp, (Sedges) – 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.

Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) – Thrives in moist, flood-prone soils;

Elymus canadensis (Canada Wild Rye) – Thrives in moist, flood-prone soils; its tall grasses help stabilize shorelines and provide habitat for wildlife. Its white flowers attract pollinators and it is excellent for erosion control.

Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) – Tolerates wet soils and occasional flooding; its white flowers attract butterflies and it helps with erosion control.

Gentiana andrewsii (Closed Gentian) – Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its closed blue flowers attract bees and thrive in moist, poorly drained areas.

Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed or Helenium) – Prefers moist soils and occasional flooding; its yellow flowers support pollinators in late summer.

Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) – Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its striking blue flowers thrive in shallow water and attract pollinators.

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) – Thrives in moist, flood-prone soils; its red flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Mimulus ringens (Monkey Flower) – Prefers wet, flood-prone soils; its purple-blue flowers attract pollinators and thrive in moist areas.

Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) – Tolerates moist, flood-prone soils; its vibrant red flowers attract pollinators and provide color to wetland areas.

Spartina pectinata (Prairie Cordgrass) – Tolerates wet, flood-prone soils; its tall, dense growth helps stabilize wetlands and provides habitat for wildlife.

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) – Thrives in upland soils; its purple flowers attract pollinators and provide late-season nectar.

Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander) – Thrives in wet soils; its yellow flowers attract early-season pollinators and help with erosion control.