What Types of Plants in Chicago Can Filter Water?

Chicago, like many other urban areas, can suffer from water pollution as a result of runoff from streets and rooftops. Fortunately, there are certain types of plants that can help combat this issue. In this article, we will explore some of the plants in Chicago that are known for their ability to filter water.

1. Wild Bergamot

Known for its purple flowers that bloom during the summer months, wild bergamot is a popular native plant in Chicago. It is often used in rain gardens as it is capable of thriving in both wet and dry soil conditions. Wild bergamot has deep roots which allow it to absorb water and filter out pollutants, making it an effective natural water filter.

2. Swamp Milkweed

As the name suggests, swamp milkweed is capable of thriving in wetland areas. It is known for its striking pink flowers and long, slender leaves. Swamp milkweed has deep roots that allow it to absorb large amounts of water, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and other water filtration systems.

3. Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed is a tall plant with clusters of pale pink or purple flowers. It is often used in rain gardens, and its deep roots allow it to absorb large amounts of water. Joe-Pye weed is also effective at filtering out pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorous, making it a valuable addition to any water filtration system.

4. Blue Flag Iris

The blue flag iris is a striking plant with purple-blue flowers that bloom in late spring. It is often used in rain gardens, and its deep roots are able to absorb large amounts of water. The blue flag iris is also capable of filtering out pollutants like heavy metals, making it an excellent choice for water filtration systems in urban areas like Chicago.

5. Golden Alexanders

Golden Alexanders are a popular native plant in Chicago known for their bright yellow flowers. They grow well in wet soil conditions and are often used in rain gardens. The deep roots of Golden Alexanders allow them to absorb large amounts of water and filter out pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

Conclusion

By using native plants like wild bergamot, swamp milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, blue flag iris, and Golden Alexanders, it is possible to create effective natural water filtration systems in urban areas like Chicago. These plants are not only beautiful, but they also play an important role in protecting our environment by filtering out harmful pollutants.