Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites

Tagged as: Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites

As a general rule, most plants don't like to have their roots wet for extended periods of time. However, some species grow naturally along riverbanks and other soggy locations, where they readily adapt to fluctuations in soil moisture or tolerate extended periods of flooding.  In areas with poor drainage, only plants that are able to persist under wet conditions are recommended.

Before planting a tree, shrub, or other plant in a wet site, determine whether your soil is permanently wet, marginally wet, or wet for only a few days at a time.  Different plants tolerate different levels of wetness.  Keep in mind that plant roots need oxygen, and the longer the roots are saturated, the more difficult it becomes for the plant to survive.  How do you know if your site requires a specially adapted plant?  Here are some factors to consider:

• Duration. Many plants can withstand temporary flooding if standing water persists only a few days.  Sites that are flooded longer or more frequently need plants that are specially adapted to these conditions.
• Soil type. Plants growing in sandy or light soils that are wet but drain quickly are less likely to be damaged than those growing in heavy clay soils.
• Season. Plants are often better able to withstand flooding in spring and summer than in fall and winter.  During spring and summer, it is not unusual for foliage on a plant that has been under water to turn brown but, as a general rule, this does not indicate any permanent injury to the plant.
• Size. Consider the ultimate size of the plant in proximity to other landscape features, such as plants, buildings, power-lines, etc.

If you have a wet site, you'll want to consider the following list of plants that naturally thrive in such conditions. These plants can be used in several ways:

USES IN THE LANDSCAPE

• Add an aesthetically appealing appearance to a barren area
• Stabilize shorelines, swales, and streambanks to reduce erosion and improve water quality
• Create a buffer to screen an unsightly view, provide privacy, or reduce noise
• Attract and provide habitat for wildlife

The chart inside provides information about plants recommended by The Morton Arboretum for their suitability and desirability in the Midwest.

Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites (revised 11/09)

* plants tolerant of flooded areas for extended periods of time.
^T plants tolerant of occasional or temporary flooding

Additional reading:

Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America, Gary L. Hightshoe, Van Nostrand & Reinhold Co., New York, NY 1998.

Nature’s Heartland—Native Plant Communities of the Great Plains, Bill Boon and Harlen Groe, Iowa State University Press, 1990.

Plants of the Chicago Region, Floyd Swink & Gerould Wilhelm, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, 1994.

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