If you have a pond, backyard, or garden, creating a welcoming environment for ducks is a great way to enjoy their presence while providing them with the food they need. Ducks are omnivores, and their diet includes a variety of plants, seeds, and insects. If you're looking to plant food that attracts and nourishes ducks, you're in the right place. This guide will show you what to plant for ducks to make your property a duck-friendly haven.

Why Plant for Ducks?

Creating a habitat that includes plants for ducks not only benefits the birds but also improves the biodiversity of your outdoor space. Ducks enjoy eating a wide range of vegetation, and they will also benefit from natural shelter and areas to forage. By planting the right types of vegetation, you can provide a sustainable food source for ducks and make your property more appealing to them.

What Do Ducks Eat?

Before choosing the best plants to grow for ducks, it's important to understand what ducks typically eat. Ducks enjoy a variety of plants, including aquatic plants, grasses, seeds, and even insects and small fish. They are particularly fond of:

• Aquatic Plants: Ducks love to forage for aquatic plants such as duckweed, water lilies, and sedges.
• Grasses and Weeds: Ducks will graze on various grasses, dandelions, and clover.
• Seeds and Nuts: Ducks enjoy eating seeds from plants such as sunflowers and nuts from trees like oaks.
• Vegetable Plants: Ducks also enjoy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and peas.

Best Plants for Ducks: A Complete List

Here’s a list of plants that can help provide food and shelter for ducks:

1. Duckweed (Lemna spp.)

Duckweed is a small, floating plant that grows on the surface of ponds and streams. Ducks love to forage for it, making it an excellent choice for attracting them to your property. Duckweed provides a high-protein food source and is easy to grow. You can introduce it to your pond by scattering a few small clumps on the water surface.

2. Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp.)

Water lilies are beautiful aquatic plants that also serve as a food source for ducks. While they primarily grow in shallow ponds, their floating leaves provide shelter for ducks and other wildlife. Ducks can eat the tubers and young leaves of water lilies.

3. Pondweed (Potamogeton spp.)

Pondweed is another great aquatic plant that ducks enjoy. It grows underwater, and the seeds are easily accessible for ducks. It's important to plant pondweed in areas of your pond with slow-moving water to ensure they have enough access to the plant's seeds.

4. Cattails (Typha spp.)

Cattails are commonly found along the edges of ponds and marshes, and ducks love to eat their seeds, roots, and shoots. Cattails also provide excellent shelter and nesting areas for ducks, making them a highly beneficial plant to have near a water source.

5. Sedges (Carex spp.)

Sedges are grass-like plants that grow near the water's edge and are another favorite food for ducks. Their seeds, stems, and leaves are highly nutritious for ducks, and they offer great cover for nesting.

6. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich aquatic plant that thrives in running water. Ducks love watercress for its peppery flavor and the variety of nutrients it offers. Watercress can be planted along the edges of ponds or streams, or you can create a small, water-filled garden for it to thrive.

7. Wild Rice (Zizania spp.)

Wild rice is another valuable food source for ducks, particularly for species that prefer deeper waters. Ducks love to forage for the seeds of wild rice, which are rich in carbohydrates and protein. Wild rice also provides great shelter and is a natural part of many duck habitats.

8. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelions are a simple, widespread plant that ducks love to forage for. The leaves and flowers are both tasty and nutritious for ducks. Dandelions grow in a variety of environments, making them an easy plant to grow in your yard or garden.

9. Clover (Trifolium spp.)

Clover is a great choice for planting in open areas, as ducks will graze on its leaves and flowers. It’s also a nitrogen-fixing plant, so it’s great for the soil, too. Ducks love clover for its soft texture and high protein content.

10. Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

Sunflowers are a high-energy food source for ducks, especially when their seeds ripen. Ducks enjoy eating the seeds, and sunflower plants can also provide shelter. Plant sunflowers in an open area, and you'll attract ducks as well as other wildlife.

11. Lettuce and Kale (Lactuca spp., Brassica oleracea)

Lettuce and kale are easy to grow and highly attractive to ducks. Ducks love leafy greens, and these vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Plant them in a sunny garden area, and you’ll be sure to attract ducks looking for fresh greens.

12. Oats (Avena sativa)

Oats are a common food source for ducks, especially in the winter months when other food sources are scarce. Ducks will forage for oats both in their seed form and when the plants are young and tender. You can plant oats in a garden or along the edges of a field to provide ducks with additional food.

Creating a Duck-Friendly Habitat

In addition to planting the right plants, you can further attract ducks by creating a suitable habitat. Here are some tips to ensure your space is welcoming for ducks:

• Provide a Water Source: Ducks need a clean, fresh water source to drink, bathe, and forage. A pond, stream, or even a large birdbath can help attract ducks.
• Create Shelter: Ducks need shelter from predators and the elements. Planting shrubs, trees, and tall grasses around the water can provide the necessary cover for ducks.
• Avoid Chemicals: Avoid using pesticides or chemicals that could harm the ducks or their food sources. Use natural methods to control pests and weeds.

Conclusion: What to Plant for Ducks

Planting the right vegetation is one of the best ways to attract ducks to your property. By providing a variety of plants that offer food and shelter, you can create a safe and inviting habitat for these beautiful waterfowl. Whether you're planting aquatic plants like duckweed and water lilies or land-based plants like dandelions and clover, the key is to create a diverse environment that meets the ducks' nutritional needs. Enjoy watching ducks thrive in your carefully cultivated habitat!