What are the primary vegetation types found in marshes?

Marshes are characterized by the presence of waterlogged soil and are generally found in low-lying areas. The primary vegetation types in these wetland ecosystems are herbaceous plants, particularly reeds, rushes, and cattails. These types of plants are well adapted to the wet conditions found in marshes, with specialized structures that allow them to thrive in saturated soils and to tolerate periodic flooding.

Reeds and cattails, for example, have flexible stems that can bend with the wind and water currents, while rushes are more grass-like in appearance. Collectively, these plant species contribute to the ecological health of marshes by providing habitat for wildlife, stabilizing soil, and improving water quality through their growth and biological activity. In contrast, woody trees and shrubs, cacti and succulents, and ferns and mosses are typically associated with other ecosystems, where conditions differ significantly from those in marsh environments.