Plants for Wet Sites

Perennials, trees and shrubs that thrive in wet or poorly drained soil

Giant gunnera (Gunnera manicata) adds a tropical look to the water's edge.

If you are planting in a wet area, or along the water's edge, consider plants from this list. For more ideas, contact your local U.S. Cooperative Extension Service. Many water-tolerant plants are unique, native species that local experts will know about.

Perennials
Filipendula (Filipendula purpurea)
Gayfeather (Liatris spicata
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata)
Gladwyn iris (Iris foetidissima)
Japanese iris (Iris enseta)
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Rose mallow, hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)

Shrubs
Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)

Trees
Box alder (Acer negundo)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
Willow (Salix spp.)