Grass-like species

The ample soil moisture along river banks supports many grass-like species, though most would be considered reeds, rushes or sedges by botanists. The majority of these spread by underground rhizomes to form extensive colonies, holding the soil in place and absorbing polluted runoff. Planted in a rain garden, a sort of bog created in a depression in the landscape, these can do the same with water running off the lawn, roof and driveway -- reducing the quantity of water rushing into storm drains, while improving its quality. The common cattail (Typha latifolia) is found in virtually every riparian habitat within USDA zones 3 to 10 and creates ideal bird habitat in a rain garden. However, be aware that this plant will spread to the extent that moisture is available and is nearly impossible to eradicate.