Plants for Wet Sites 

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A wet site can be a challenging area to landscape. Despite the challenge, it can be a highlight in the landscape. Many plants will grow wonderfully in wet locations. If you choose the right plant it doesn't need to be a problem area.

Perennials

Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard)                  

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

Astilbe spp. (False Spirea)

Carex spp. (Sedge)

Chelone obliqua (Turtlehead)

Eutrochium spp. (Joe Pye Weed)

Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)

Hemerocallis spp. (Daylily)      

Hibiscus moscheutos (Mallow)          

Iris fulva (Copper iris)

Iris versicolor (Blueflag Iris)

Iris sibirica  (Siberian Iris)

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)         

Lobelia siphilitica (Blue Lobelia)

Ligularia spp. (Ligularia)                        

Mimulus rigens (Allegheny Monkeyflower)                        

Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort)

 Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant)        

Tradescantia virginiana (Spiderwort)          

Vernonia missurica (Ironweed)          

Veronicastrum virgatum (Culver's Root)

Trees and Shrubs

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)             

Alnus serrulata (Alder)         

Amelanchier spp. (Serviceberry)               

Aronia arbutifolia (Chokeberry)                  

Betula nigra (Riverbirch)     

Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)                

Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)

Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood)

Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood) 

Hamamelis spp. (Witch Hazel)                                                      

Ilex glabra (Inkberry Holly)

Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly)                                     

Itea virginica (Sweetspire)

Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)

Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)  

Myrica pensylvanica (Bayberry)                    

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum)

Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore)

Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)                           

Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose)

Salix spp.  (Willow)                                  

Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry)                 

Spirea alba (Meadowsweet)

Thuja occidentalis (American Arborvitae)

Tilia americana  (Basswood)

Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum)

Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberry)

 

 Tips for Wet Site Planting

 

• Ensure that plants are planted high, with the root flare slightly above soil level
• Do not compact the soil excessively when filling the planting hole
• Never use peat in the planting hole

 

 Sources: Compiled from experience and information from our suppliers. For more information visit us on the web at www.behmerwald.com