11 native Australian plants for ponds and wet, shady areas
Ponds and water features create areas of cool air, attract birds and insects and are a beautiful addition to any garden. If you want a healthy, low-maintenance water garden, or have a tricky wet/shaded area, Australian natives are naturally adapted to harsh weather, fluctuating water levels and nutrient-poor conditions. They're ideal for a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly pondscape, or even just a simple water bowl.
Below are 10 true Australian natives that thrive in ponds, bog gardens, creeklines or damp, shady areas.
1. Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii)
Best for: shallow pond edges, damp soil and naturalistic ponds.
Why it works:
With clover-like fronds that float or sit just above the waterline, Nardoo creates an instant billabong feel. It naturally grows in seasonal wetlands and can handle full submersion, damp mud or drying soil between rains. Nardoo spores can lie dormant for years, surviving extreme drought, then spring back to life after the first heavy rains.
How to use:
Plant directly into the shallowest shelf of a pond (2–5 cm water). Nardoo is great for softening rock edges and creating a transition from water to garden.
2. Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)
Best for: pond edges, damp soils and structure planting.
Why it works:
Lomandra tolerates both wet and dry periods, making it perfect for inconsistent pond levels. Its strappy foliage adds height, texture and movement without invading the water. Lomandra is incredibly tough; its leaves contain natural fibres once used by First Nations Australians to weave baskets and fishing nets.
How to use:
Position along pond margins or behind shorter sedges for a tiered look. Lomandra requires minimal maintenance once established.
3. Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
Best for: shaded ponds, rainforest-style gardens and cool microclimates.
Why it works:
This lush fern naturally grows alongside creeks, waterfalls and damp gullies. Its iconic trunk and large fronds immediately provide shade and a rainforest feel. This ancient fern species has survived since the age of dinosaurs and can regenerate an entire crown even after being badly damaged by frost or fire.
How to use:
Plant in deep shade with consistently moist soil. Mulch heavily around the trunk and water the crown during hot weather.
4. Staghorn / Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium species)
Best for: vertical pond walls, nearby trees and as part of shaded water features.
Why it works:
Staghorns thrive in humid, moist environments created by ponds. They absorb water from the air and splashes. Staghorns create their own “mini compost piles” — their shield fronds trap falling leaves which break down to feed the plant.
How to use:
Mount onto a tree, wall or board near your water feature. Mist regularly in summer to replicate rainforest conditions.
5. Tassel Sedge (Carex appressa)
Best for: shallow water zones and pond margins.
Why it works:
A true wetland native, Tassel Sedge grows in permanently wet soils and can handle standing water. Its upright habit provides refuge for frogs and small birds. The plant’s tight, tassel-like flower clusters are actually designed to catch wind perfectly and fling seeds long distances.
How to use:
Plant directly into shallow water up to 10 cm deep. Great for softening hard pond edges.
6. Common Rush (Juncus usitatus)
Best for: naturalistic ponds, frog habitats and rain gardens.
Why it works:
Common Rush is a hardy, fast-establishing rush that thrives in boggy soil and shallow water. Excellent for stabilising pond edges and encouraging native wildlife. Juncus stems have a spongy, water-filled core that acts like a natural internal plumbing system.
How to use:
Plant in clumps at varying depths (0–10 cm water). Trim dead stems annually.
7. Swamp Goodenia (Goodenia humilis)
Best for: boggy edges, shallow wet zones and sunny pond margins.
Why it works:
Bright yellow flowers and spreading foliage give colour and softness to pond edges. Naturally found in swampy depressions and wet heaths, it handles wet feet without issue. Goodenia flowers have a quirky “fan” shape that evolved to guide native bees perfectly toward their pollen.
How to use:
Plant around moist pond margins or in shallow boggy areas. Cut back lightly after flowering for compact growth.
8. Creeping Native Violet (Viola hederacea)
Best for: shaded pond surrounds and as soft groundcovers.
Why it works:
Creates a lush carpet that thrives in moist, shaded zones around water. Its purple-white flowers add charm and help suppress weeds. Native violet flowers can self-pollinate without ever opening — a clever backup strategy for rainy or cold weeks.
How to use:
Plant in dappled shade where soil stays cool and damp. Perfect under ferns or alongside staghorns.
9. Myriophyllum simulans (Amphibious Water-milfoil)
Best for: shallow water, floating cover and wildlife ponds.
Why it works:
A genuine aquatic that provides valuable underwater habitat for tadpoles and aquatic insects. Feathery foliage reduces algae by shading the water. Its underwater leaves create micro-habitats for tadpoles and mosquito-eating aquatic insects.
How to use:
Plant in baskets submerged 5–20 cm. Trim gently to control spread.
10. Melaleuca thymifolia (Thyme Honey Myrtle)
Best for: damp soils, boggy edges and feature planting.
Why it works:
This hardy shrub thrives in moist ground and tolerates periodic waterlogging. Purple pom-pom flowers appear for much of the year and attract native bees. Its shaggy, paperbark-like trunks are actually layers of old bark the plant continuously sheds to protect itself from fire.
How to use:
Plant behind lower wetland species to add height and colour. Prune Thyme Honey Myrtle lightly to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
11. Knobby Club Rush (Ficinia nodosa)
Best for:
Coastal gardens, boggy patches, naturalistic plantings and any spot exposed to salt spray, wind or high moisture.
Why it works:
Knobby Club Rush thrives in waterlogged soils thanks to specialised air-filled channels inside its stems, which act like tiny snorkels and let the plant “breathe” even when its roots are completely submerged. It’s incredibly tough, tolerant of salt, drought once established and constant moisture — making it one of the most versatile natives for tricky sites.
How to use:
Plant in sweeping drifts for a sculptural, textural look, edge around ponds or rain gardens, or use as a hardy filler to stabilise wet or sandy soils. It pairs beautifully with lomandra, dianella and low coastal shrubs for an effortless, layered native garden.
Create a Pond or Wet Area That's Local
Native pond and water plants don’t just look beautiful — they support local wildlife, stabilise your water quality and give your garden a sense of place.
If you're building or refreshing a water feature, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Explore our:
These are selected for Australian conditions and perfect for creating thriving, low-maintenance water gardens.