Plants for Wet Sites

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
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Filipendula (Filipendula purpurea)
Gayfeather (Liatris spicata
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata)
Gladwyn iris (Iris foetidissima)
Japanese iris (Iris enseta)
Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium spp.)
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Rose mallow, hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Shrubs
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
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)
River birch (Betula nigra)
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
Willow (Salix spp.)