Pretty Poisons: What Not to Plant Near a Water Garden

When landscaping around a pond, it’s important to know which plants will thrive in that setting. But it’s also important to note that not all plants are appropriate for pondscaping, some can actually be “pretty poisons” when planted near fish habitats.

“The leaves, bark, fruit or roots of some plants can foul water or otherwise be fatal to fish,” says Chris Wilson, a technical expert for Aquascape Designs, Batavia, Ill. “If you know which plants are potential trouble makers, you can avoid planting them close to water features, which are essentially living, breathing natural aquatic ecosystems.”

Azaleas showy blooms may be toxic to water gardens. Photo: Plants National Database

Wilson suggests that the following plants are among those that could lead to problems if planted near a water garden. Avoid these in water garden situations.
Azalea      (Rhododendrom species)
Black Locust      (Robinia species)
Buttercup      (Ranunculus spp.)
Caladium      (Caladium xaiitliosoma)
Castor Bean      (Ricinus communis)
Chokecherry/Cherry      (Prunus spp.)
Climbing Nightshade      (Soanum dulcamara)
Clover      (Trifolium spp.)
Horsechestnut      (Aeseulus spp.)
Jack in the Pulpit      (Arisaema spp.)
Jimsonweed      (Datura spp.)
Lily-of-the-Valley      (Convallaria majalis)
Pigweed      (Amaranthus spp.)

Lily of the Valley can create problems in water garden situations. Photo: Lewisgardens.com

Ponderosa Pine      (Pinus ponderosa)
Potato      (Solanum tuberosum)
Red Maple      (Acer rubrum)
Sweet Pea      (Lathyrus species)
Tobacco      (Nicotiana tabacum)
Tomato      (Lycopersicon esculentum)
White Snake Root      (Eupatorium rugosum)
Wild Bleeding Heart      (Dicentra spp.)
Yew      (Taxus spp.)