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.

Perennial Plants for Wet Sites

• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
• Filipendula (Filipendula purpurea)
• Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata)
• Gladwyn iris (Iris foetidissima)
• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium spp.)
• Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)Milkweed (Asclepias)
• Rose mallow, hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
• Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)
• Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Shrubs for Wet Sites

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

Trees for Wet Sites

• Box alder (Acer negundo)
• Red maple (Acer rubrum)
• River birch (Betula nigra)
• Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
• Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
• Willow (Salix spp.)