It may seem like soggy or wet areas in your yard are off-limits when it comes to planting. It’s true—many plants just can’t thrive in excessively wet soil.
But some plants are built for these conditions. Lots of moisture-loving trees, shrubs, or flowers do a great job of soaking up water.
What plants fit the bill? And, which ones are best for your landscape? Below, check out a shortlist of plants that thrive in wet locations.
Having issues with poor drainage or excess water in your garden? You’re not alone. Many gardeners deal with wet, soggy soil that can cause problems for plants. The good news is that you can use strategically planted water-loving plants to help absorb some of that excess moisture.
In this article, we’ll look at 15 of the best plants to soak up excess water in your garden beds or landscaping With the right selections, these water-absorbing plants can help improve drainage, reduce erosion, and even create an attractive rain garden area.
Why Excess Water is a Problem
Too much water is just as bad for plants as too little. Soggy soil means less oxygen reaches roots, which can lead to rot and other issues. Standing water also promotes fungal and bacterial growth. Plants sitting in waterlogged dirt will weaken and eventually die.
Excess water also leads to erosion as soil is literally washed away Runoff across hardscaped areas or slopes causes similar problems Not only does this damage gardens, but it also sends pollutants into local waterways.
Finding solutions to absorb excess water helps gardens and the environment.
Benefits of Water-Loving Plants
There are many advantages to utilizing plants that thrive in damp conditions:
-
Improve drainage – Their extensive root systems create more space in the soil for water flow.
-
Reduce erosion – Root networks hold soil in place and prevent washouts.
-
Create habitat – Wetland plants attract birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
-
Filter pollutants – They absorb and break down contaminants in runoff.
-
Enhance aesthetics – Many water-loving plants have beautiful flowers, interesting textures, or striking forms.
15 Best Plants to Soak Up Excess Moisture
Here are some excellent options to consider:
Trees
-
Red Maple – With lovely fall color and medium size, maple trees work well near moist areas in zones 3-9.
-
River Birch – Birches thrive in damp soil and their peeling bark adds interest. zones 4-9.
-
Cypress – Iconic wetland tree, zones 4-9. Give them room as they reach 60-70 feet tall!
-
Willow – Fast growing and low maintenance, willows root deeply to soak up abundant moisture. zones 6-8.
Shrubs
-
Buttonbush – Showy spherical white blooms. Attracts pollinators. zones 5-10.
-
Elderberry – Edible berries and flowers. Multi-stemmed with arching branches. zones 3-10.
-
Spicebush – Glossy leaves with vibrant yellow fall color. Fragrant spring blooms. zones 4-9.
-
Summersweet – Flowers have sweet fragrance. Attracts butterflies. zones 3-9.
Perennials & Groundcovers
-
Cardinal Flower – Stunning red flowers on tall spikes that hummers love. zones 3-9.
-
Iris – Showy flowers in a variety of colors. Does well in wet soil. zones 3-9.
-
Ligularia – Large, dramatic leaves. Yellow daisy-like blooms. zones 4-9.
-
Monkey Flower – Pretty bell flowers in shades of yellow, zone 3-9.
-
Sweet Flag – Clumping grassy plant with sweet scent. Good rain garden plant. zones 4-11.
Grasses
-
Blue Iris Grass – Clumping grass with attractive seed heads. zones 4-9.
-
Dwarf Cattail – Grass-like foliage and bushy seed heads. Good for pond edges. zones 3-9.
-
Sedge – Many varieties available. Easy care grass-like perennials. zones vary.
-
Variegated Japanese Rush – Attractive striped grass, brightens shady areas. zones 5-9.
More Tips for Using Water-Loving Plants
-
Choose plants suited for your hardiness zone and sunlight conditions.
-
Use mulch to help reduce evaporation and soil moisture loss.
-
Group plants with similar watering needs together.
-
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage.
-
Consider rain chains and barrels to control roof runoff.
-
Installing a rain garden can provide a designated spot for plants to soak up runoff.
-
Contact local nurseries for more recommendations of plants that grow well in your climate.
Improve Drainage and Enjoy the Benefits
By leveraging plants that are adapted to thrive in moist conditions, you can find an eco-friendly solution to dealing with soggy areas or excess water in your landscape. A bonus is that many of these water-loving plants also have ornamental value with their flowers, fruit and foliage. Their ability to absorb more moisture makes them useful for rain gardens and other areas where you need improved drainage. Try using a selection of these water-absorbing trees, shrubs and perennials to soak up excess moisture in your garden beautifully.
Best plants for water runoff
Here’s the situation: you have a spot in your yard, perhaps at the bottom of a hill or in a sunken area, that always has standing water from rain runoff. You want to plant something there that can spruce up the spot and soak in the excess water. What should you pick?
Most importantly, you’ll want to look for plants that are suited for your area. First, find out what your Plant Hardiness Zone is. Then, use the lists below as a starting point for selecting water-thirsty plants that will grow well in your region.
Trees that absorb a lot of water
These are a few trees that soak up water well and can add beauty to a barren spot in your landscape.
- Red maple (zones 3-9)
- Weeping willow (zones 6-8)
- Ash (zones 3-9)
- Oriental arborvitae (zones 6-11)
- Black gum (zones 4-9)
- White cedar (zones 4-8)
- River birch (zones 3-9)
- Bald cypress (zones 5-9)
Try one of these water-loving shrubs in your yard’s swampy spot.
- Inkberry (zones 5-9)
- Button bush (zones 6-9)
- Summersweet (zones 4-9)
- Black chokeberry (zones 3-8)
- American cranberrybush (zones 2-7)
- Spice bush (zones 4-9)
- Red twig dogwood (zones 3-8)
- Blue elderberry (zones 3-10)
10 Moisture Loving Perennials That Thrive In Wet Soil Wet Garden Plants
FAQ
What plant soaks up the most water?
-
Cypress trees (Taxodium spp.):These trees, often found in swamps, have roots that can extend above the water surface (cypress knees) to aid in gas exchange and water absorption.
-
River birch (Betula nigra):A tree with a high water requirement, often found near water bodies.
-
Red maple (Acer rubrum):Another tree that thrives in wet areas and can absorb significant amounts of water.
-
These trees are known for their rapid growth and high water needs, making them efficient at absorbing moisture.
-
Similar to poplars, ashes are often found in wet areas and have a high water demand.
-
Found in coastal areas, mangroves have specialized roots called pneumatophores that help them absorb oxygen and filter water from salty environments.
-
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua):Another tree species that prefers wet conditions and absorbs a lot of water.
-
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica):Also known as tupelo, these trees are well-suited for wet or boggy areas.
-
Rushes (Juncus spp.):These plants are common in wetland areas and have roots that help hold the soil and absorb water, according to Express Water Solutions.
-
Cattails (Typha spp.):These wetland plants are highly effective at absorbing water and are often used in drainage projects, according to Express Water Solutions.
-
Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor):This iris species thrives in wet areas and can absorb a significant amount of water, according to The Spruce.
What can I put in my yard to soak up water?
-
Soil Improvement:Adding compost, garden compost, leaf mold, or manure helps loosen compacted soil, creating channels for water to drain, according to American Home Shield. Gypsum can also be added to break up compacted soil.
-
Planting:Water-loving plants, such as trees, shrubs, and ivy, can absorb significant amounts of water from the soil.
-
Permeable Surfaces:Using permeable pavers for driveways and walkways allows water to infiltrate the ground instead of running off.
-
Downspout Extensions:Extending downspouts to direct water away from the house and towards areas of soil absorption can help reduce pooling.
-
Rain Gardens:Creating a rain garden, a depression planted with native plants, can collect runoff and allow it to slowly soak into the ground, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (.gov).
-
Mulch:Adding organic mulch to the soil can help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
What soaks up the most water?
SAP is a type of absorbent material that can hold up to 300 times its weight in water. It’s commonly used in diapers and other personal care products, but can also be effective for soaking up flood water. Cellulose-based absorbents are eco-friendly options that can effectively soak up water.
What to plant in a drainage ditch?
- River Birch: Naturally grows along river banks and can handle wet conditions.
- Red Maple: Offers beautiful fall color and can also tolerate wet areas.
What absorbs rainwater best?
Plant Trees
One of the easiest solutions to mitigate extra rainfall is to plant large shade trees or street trees that have aggressive root systems that will absorb large amounts of water. Some of these trees include the London plane tree.
What plant grows well in wet soil?
-
Iris:Many Iris varieties, such as Blue Flag, Yellow Flag, and Japanese Water Iris, are known for their ability to tolerate wet conditions, according to HGTV and American Meadows.
-
Cattail:Cattails are highly adaptable to wet areas and can even grow in standing water, says Gardening Know How and notes a Reddit thread about permaculture.
-
Marsh Marigold:These plants prefer wet areas and are a great choice for gardens near ponds or streams, notes Alsoils and HGTV.
-
Joe-Pye Weed:This perennial is another excellent choice for wet soils, thriving in areas where water tends to accumulate, notes Alsoils and Better Homes & Gardens.
-
Cardinal Flower:These plants have vibrant red flowers and prefer moist to wet conditions, according to Plant Delights Nursery.
-
Bog Arum:Also known as Calla palustris, this plant is well-suited for wet areas and can even tolerate shallow standing water.
-
Water Mint:This herb is a great choice for wet areas and can add a fresh, minty aroma to the garden, according to Alsoils.
-
Willow:Several willow species, such as weeping willows, are known for their ability to tolerate wet soils, making them suitable for planting near water bodies or in areas prone to flooding, according to Alsoils and a post on Reddit about permaculture.
Which plants absorb water?
Lily of the valley is another great plant that will absorb water but we should urge you to err on the side of caution as this plant is toxic to humans and pets. If you have animals or kids, be sure to keep them away from this plant to avoid accidental ingestion.
Can plants absorb a lot of water?
Many people have decided that planting plants that can absorb a lot of water will be the best idea. This could allow you to soak the water up without it being a big problem and you won’t have to worry about things so much. Read on to learn about several plants that are capable of absorbing lots of water.
What plants need a lot of water?
Many different types of plants require a lot of water, including some trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, tall grasses, and more. Continue reading our thirsty plant guide to learn about dozens of them. And how to select the best to drink up all that excess water on your property based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.
Which vine plant absorbs the most water?
A taller type of fern is going to absorb the most water for you overall. Just take the time to look at the various fern options and choose one that you like that will also help you to achieve your goals. The trumpet creeper is another vine plant that can help you to absorb lots of water.
Which bushes soak up water?
Some of the best bushes that soak up water while making an attractive border are loved by gardeners. One such plant is Mimulus Ringens, native to North America and growing in zones three to nine. It flowers during the fall, producing bright yellow flowers.
Which perennials soak up a good amount of water?
Several perennials thrive in wet soils and soak up a good amount of water. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) is one such plant. Its root system thrives in moist soils and can tolerate flooding and poor drainage.