Plants for Wet Sites

A wet site is a challenging area to landscape.  Despite the challenge, it can be a highlight in the landscape.  Many herbaceous plants will spread aggressively once introduced to a wet location.  If you plant the right thing it doesn't need to be a headache.

Perennials

Acorus spp.    Sweetflag

Asclepias incarnata    Swamp Milkweed

Astilbe spp.      False Spirea

Campanula glomerata      Clustered Bellflower

Carex spp.     Sedge

Chelone spp.   Turtlehead

Hemerocallis        Daylily

Hibiscus moscheutos      Mallow

Houttuynia cordata      Chameleon Plant

Iris pseudacorus        Flag Iris

Iris sibirica        Siberian Iris

Lobelia cardinalis        Cardinal Flower

Ligularia spp.      Ligularia

Lysimachia num.     Creeping Jenny

Physostegia vir.     Obedient Plant

Tradescantia vir.   Spiderwort

Trees and Shrubs

Acer rubrum       Red Maple

Amelanchier spp.     Serviceberry

Aronia arbutifolia       Chokeberry

Betula nigra         Riverbirch

Clethra alnifolia      Summersweet

Cornus amomum      Silky Dogwood

Cornus sericea      Red Osier Dogwood

Gleditsia trian.        Honeylocust

Hamamelis vernalis    Vernal Witch Hazel

Hamamelis vir.      Common Witch Hazel

Ilex glabra     Inkberry Holly

Ilex verticillata      Winterberry Holly

Itea virginica       Sweetspire

Lindera benzoin       Spicebush

Magnolia virginiana   Sweetbay Magnolia

Metasequoia glypt.   Dawn Redwood

Nyssa sylvatica      Black Gum

Platanus x acerifolia   London Planetree

Quercus palustris    Pin Oak

Salix spp.     Willow

Thuja occidentalis      American Arborvitae

Tilia americana     Basswood

Viburnum dentatum   Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum trilobum   American Cranberry

Tips for Wet Site Planting

- Make sure plants are planted high

- Do not compact the soil excessively

- Never use peat in the planting hole

Sources  

This sheet has been compiled from experience and information from our suppliers