Native Wetland Plants

Peltandra virginica, Arrow arum, grows in still or slow moving waters of ponds, swamps, marshes, and banks of streams. The remarkable broad arrow headed leaves with wavy margins reach 2-4' tall in full sun to sha...

The tallest American member of the Andropogon genus, big blue stem, forms sturdy upright clumps of narrow blades standing 6' tall. Andropogon gerardii prefers slightly moist soils but is surprisingly drought tolerant once established. The lus...

Carex intumescens, Bladder sedge, is similar in appearance to Carex grayi, found growing in shady bottomland hardwood forests. Its bold textured foliage stands 1-2' tall.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium, Blue-Eyed Grass,  grows in moist, well-drained soil in damp open woods, slopes, and along stream banks in full sun to part shade. Despite its grass-like foliage, the Blue-Eyed Grass belongs to the i...

Iris versicolor, Blue flag iris, is a hardy lakeshore herbacious perennial typically found in the shallow waters of pond edges, sedge meadows, marshes, along stream banks and in forested moist soil wetlands. Blue flag iris forms...

Iris prismatica, Blue iris, is similar to Iris versicolor except for the narrower leaves.   This hardy lakeshore perennial herb is typically found in shallow waters of pond edges,  sedge meadows, marshes, alon...

Verbena hastata, Blue Vervain, can be found in a variety if habitats including moist prairies & meadows, floodplain woodlands, moist thickets, along borders of rivers and ponds, marshes, moist basins and ditches. Verbena h...

Menyanthes trifoliata, Bogbean, grows in spongy bogs, marshes and shallow water along pond edges. The fleshy green leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata pop out of the water giving way to a perfect little white flowers with tiny elegant hairs ...

Eupatorium perfoliatum, Boneset, is one of the most widespread of our native wetland wildflowers. It prefers wet to damp areas of the wetland margin. While tolerant of flooding, it is not usually found growing in water but is very co...

Elymus hystrix, Bottle brush grass, grows in a wide range of soil conditions including heavy clay with dry to medium hydrology.  Bottle brush grass can take a variety of light conditions from full sun to part shade. I...

Carex comosa, Bristly sedge, is a member of the sedge family has a bristly bloom that acts like Velcro.  Bristly sedge stands from 1-2 ½’ tall with wide light green foliage. It prefers full sun bu...

Typha latifolia, Broad Leaf Cattails, are one of the most important native wetland plants, providing wildlife habitat, improving water quality and providing food for wildlife. In fact, Euell Gibbons called Cattails the "Supermarket...

Common in the Northeast, Andropogon virginicus, broomsedge, is a native clumping warm season grass that grows best in relatively infertile soil conditions which makes it a great choice for the dry compacted banks of stormwater basin...

Rudbeckia triloba, Brown Eyed Susan, grows in moist to dry soils in full sun to part shade.  Cheerful Brown Eyed Susan is a perennial favorite.  Typically 1-2' tall with bright yellow daisy-like flowers surr...

The only moisture loving Andropogon glomeratus, bushy beard, is usually found growing in low lying marshes and swamps of the eastern coastal plain of the United States. Andropogon glomeratus is a narrow blue/green leaf in the summer followed ...

Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush,  is one of the most important native shrubs for helping to preserve water quality and for enhancing wildlife habitat. The extensive fibrous root system of buttonbush pulls nutrie...

Calamagrostis canadensis, Canada bluejoint,  is one of our cool season grasses. Canada bluejoint is found growing strong along pond shores and in open wet meadows of New England. It forms slender inflorescence in June whi...

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, is a relatively short-lived herbaceous perennial that grows in nice clumps from 2-3' tall and less than 1' in diameter. The stems and leaves of Cardinal Flower have a soft purplish tin...

Iris fulva, Copper iris, has arching bright green leaves growing from shallowly rooted compact rhizomes that can form large clumps.  Copper iris is the perfect plant for moist to wet soils in full sun but also to...

Ranunculus flammula, Creeping Spearwort, is found in wet soils and is particularly common in moist forests, stream banks, and along the shores of rivers, ponds and lakes. Ranunculus flammula is a low growing perennial that pro...

Eleocharis palustris, Creeping spikerush, is a perennial colonizer which forms a dense root mass along pond shores creeping out into 4-6" of water. Sometimes mistaken for a grass, creeping spikerush forms nice tight clusters of green...

Sagittaria latifolia, Duck potato, is a vigorous aquatic perennial that typically grows 2-4’ tall. Known for its arrowhead-shaped leaves, Sagittaria latifolia commonly grows submerged in shallow water or out of water on ...

Equisetum scirpoides, Dwarf horsetail, is a slender small-sized Equisetum growing less than 1' tall in dense dark green colonies along shorelines and shallow water. Although lacking true leaves or flowers, the upright stems of Dw...

Eleocharis parvula, Dwarf spikerush, is a perennial with smooth round solid stems which form an oval spike flower on the tips. Just under 3" tall, Dwarf spikerush can be grown individually or in nice tight clusters al...

Heteranthera reniformis, Floating leaf mud plantain, has bright green glossy almost kidney-shaped leaves growing on sprawling stems with delicate light blue flowers during summer and early fall. Flowers open about 3 hours after ...

Eleocharis quadrangulata, Four squarerush, is a PA endangered plant.  Four squarerush has a distinct four sided stem which is dark green in color. With an elegant simplicity, this 2-3' tall rush grows in...

Glyceria striata, Fowl mannagrass, can be found in marshes, wet banks, damp woods, and occasionally in shallow water.  Fowl mannagrass provides food and shelter to a wide variety of aquatic wildlife.  Glyceria...

Carex vulpinoidea, Fox sedge, is aptly named for its fox tail like seed head.   Fox sedge, is a tough versatile plant that lends itself well to most wetland restoration projects. Like Tussock sedge, Fox sedge has...

Carex crinata, Fringed sedge, is a common sedge of cooler northern climates.  Fringed sedge is named for its slender drooping seed heads that are present from June through July. It stands at 3-4’ tall....

Zizia aurea, Golden Alexander, is a native perennial which is found growing in small colonies in moist woods and meadows, swamps, thickets, riverbanks and prairies. Zizia aurea grows 1-2' tall in nice tight clumps about 12" in diam...

Orontium aquaticum, Golden Club, is a striking aquatic plant. Golden Club has bright yellow flower clusters (spadix) at the tips. Blooming in April-June Orontium aquaticum is one of the first plants...

Sagittaria rigida, Grass Leaf Arrowhead, is found in swamps, bogs, marshes, and shallow waters in both mud and sandy soils. The arrow-shaped long thin foliage grows to 2' tall above the water line in sun to partial shade with small...

Lobelia syphilitica, Great blue lobelia, is an herbaceous perennial that grows in nice clumps from 1-3' tall. The upright stems of Great blue lobelia produce a striking blue flower head which creates a wonderful ...

Not only are Sparganium eurycarpum, Greater bur-reed, good for providing food and habitat for wildlife, these plants are also extremely useful for improving and maintaining water quality by absorbing nutrients and st...

Scirpus atrovirens, Green Bulrush, is a broad leaf rush common to wet meadows and swales.  Scirpus atrovirens thrives in full sun to partial and blooms from mid June to late July with attractive dark brown almost black inflorescence. Gre...

Rudbeckia laciniata, Green headed Coneflower, grows in moist soils in rich woodlands, thickets or along streams and next to ponds in full sun to part shade. Although it tolerates hot and humid summers quite well, it will not do well in severe...

Scirpus acutus, Hard Stem Bulrush, is a rhizomatous species that forms dense colonies that provide wonderful cover for waterfowl and spawning fish.  Scirpus acutus will grow from 0-1’ of water and is used to stabilize pond...

Carex lupulina, Hop sedge,  is a tall, shade tolerant sedge that has similar but longer seed heads than Carex intumescens.  Hop sedge has a clump forming erect stature that makes it a nice...

Equisetum hyemale, Horsetail, spreads from creeping rhizomes in an extremely wide range of soils from full sun to part shade. Growing 3-5' tall in dense dark green colonies this is a great choice for moist low spots where nothing else wil...

Sorghastrum nutans, Indiangrass, is widely used in large scale roadside plantings, revegetation projects, prairie restorations, and many different types of erosion control projects because it grows well on disturbed sites and produ...

Vernonia noveboracensis, Ironweed, prefers rich, moist soils but it tolerates a wide range of soils making it great plant to use in naturalized areas or meadows looking for a subtle dab of purple bloom from its numerous tiny, fluff...

Eutrochium fistulosum, Joe Pye Weed, is a 6-8' tall yet graceful plant which prefers moist areas and has a tolerance for a variety of soils. A staple in any rain or butterfly garden this plant will attract loads of beautiful b...

Carex lacustris, Lake bank sedge, is a rapidly spreading rhizomatous plant and a great soil stabilizer for an area with full sun. Lake bank sedge has very upright blue-green foliage and blooms in early to mid summer. G...

Eleocharis acicularis, Least spikerush, is a perennial with smooth round solid stems which form an oval spike flower on the tips. Just under 1' tall, it can be grown individually or in nice tight clusters along shorelines ...

Sparganium americanum, Lesser bur-reed, is one of several native species of this distinctive native plant. Though looking like grasses or sedges, they are neither, being in their own family (Sparganiaceae). Sparganium american...

Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem, is a warm season, clump forming plant which prefers full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Its green foliage grows 4' tall and flowers from July to September. The purplish/...

Saururus cernuus, Lizard's Tail, is a colonizing perennial with fibrous rhizomes which grows along the edges of ponds, swamps and marshes in sun to part shade. The distinctive heart shaped leaves grow above the water...

Carex lurida, Lurid sedge, is a versatile lower growing sedge that forms dense tufted colonies in full sun and loose patches in the shade. Carex lurida is a great plant for soil stabilization along pond and stream banks...

Hippuris vulgaris, Mare's tail, has the appearance of a pleasant green bottlebrush growing in patches found primarily in the shallow areas of ponds, lakes, streams or any wet muddy shore where water levels fluctuate. The flowers of Hi...

Caltha palustris, Marsh marigold, is one of the earliest blooming spring ephemerals in a wetland. Marsh marigold's heart shaped shiny foliage emerges in March and almost overnight is topped with bright yellow buttercup li...

Ludwigia palustris, Marsh Purslane, is a creeping aquatic perennial that grows along shorelines, in shallow water, and moist soils. The leaves of Marsh Purslane are highly variable in color, from green to slightly red-tin...

Eryngium aquaticum, Marsh rattlesnake-master, is an attractive silver blue flowering perennial that is widely underused in sunny poorly drained or wetland areas. Eryngium aquaticum stands 3-4’ tall and blooms...

Mimulus ringens, Monkey Flower, produces deep to pale blue to lavender colored flowers with an attractive yellow center. It's named for the flower's resemblance to a monkey's face. The flowers of Mimulus ringens are about an inch a...

Carex muskingumensis, musk sedge, is found in moist meadows and along streams.  Decorative musk sedge resembles miniature palm trees. It spreads slowly via a short rhizome to form a fine textured c...

Typha angustifolia, Narrow Leaf Cattails, are one of the most important native wetland plants, providing wildlife habitat, improving water quality and providing food for wildlife. In fact, Euell Gibbons called Cattails the "Superma...

The Fragrant Water lily is one of the most commonly seen water plants. Its natural range is from Newfoundland to the Great lakes, south including Missouri, and Kansas and down to Florida and Texas. Nymphaea odorata is tolerant of a wide p...

Nelumbo lutea, American yellow lotus, is the only native species of the genus.  Flowers bloom after two successive months of temps  75-85 degrees.   Soft pale yellow flowers 7 - 11" surround a rich yellow center standi...

Symphotrychum novae-angliae, New england Aster, is one of the most attractive and common asters that thrives in moist full sun meadows. From mid August through October, New England Aster produces numerous flowers ranging in color from pale la...

Symphotrichum novi-belgii, New york Aster, with slightly smaller blue flowers than New England Aster, thrives in a more permanently moist habitat. Symphotrichum novi-belgii is a deer resistant PA rare plant that spreads s...

Chasmanthium latifolium, Northern sea oats.  Despite its name, Northern sea oats, has nothing to do with the sea.  Chasmanthium latifolium grows well in a variety of soils with varying moisture...

Physostegia virginiana, Obedient plant, gets its name from an unusual trait, when you turn the flowers by pushing them sideways, they stay there. Pink forms are more common, but a white form is shown here. The plant's...

Heliopsis helianthoides, Ox-eye sunflower,  blooms with a multitude of seemingly never ending yellow daisy-like blossoms.   Ox-eye sunflower is native to the Northern Plains grows 2-4' tall and blooms July through...

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Pennywort, is a quick colonizer producing a nice thick mass of scalloped 2-inch leaves growing from running rhizomes in full sun to part shade.  Pennywort has relatively insignificant small powder puff...

Pontederia cordata, Pickerelweed, is a common sight in quiet fresh water areas. Shallow water is the habitat for this beautiful species. The native forms are usually shades of blue-purple, but we also have the uncommon white f...

Carex scoparia, Pointed broom sedge, is an attractive clumping sedge with fine textured foliage.  Pointed broom sedge grows 1-2’ tall and provides great food and cover for song birds in wet meadow habitats.  Poin...

Carex hystericina, Porcupine sedge, is named for its spiky seed head which resembles a porcupine.  Porcupine sedge spreads moderately from short rhizomes in full sun to partial shade. Its foliage is light green i...

Symphotrichum puniceum, Purplestem Aster, is a common naturalizer of wetlands, stream banks and moist meadows.  Purplestem Aster bares pale blue to pink flowers from mid August through October. Deer resistant an...

Leersia oryzoides, Rice cut grass, is a rhizomatous perennial grass growing from 2-4' tall. The leaves of Rice cut grass form a very rough minutely toothed edge that makes it unpalatable to many herbivore mammals...

Schoenoplectus fluviatilis, River Bulrush, is a rhizomatous species that forms very large colonies rather quickly. The thick stems of Scirpus fluviatilis stand 5-7’ tall and bloom in late July to mid August.  Schoenoplect...

Elymus riparius, Riverbank wild rye, is aptly named for its utility when doing streambank or riverbank rehabilitation.  This perennial cool season grass is good for erosion control in moist areas. Riverbank wild rye has...

Juncus gerardii, Saltmeadow rush, is a perennial wetland plant that grows on tide lines and along waterways from vigorous rhizomes forming small upright stands just over 1' tall. The rigid stems of Saltmeado...

Onoclea sensibilis, Sensitive fern, is commonly found at the sunny edge of a wet woodland. Once established this rhizomatous fern creates wonderfully textured colonies of lime green. A mature plant can spread up to 10” per year with...

Juncus effusus, Soft rush, is a striking perennial wetland plant that grows up to 3' tall in full sun to part shade. The bright green cylindrical stems of Juncus effusus are fairly soft.  Stems taper to a bristle and r...

Scirpus tabermontanii, Soft Stem Bulrush, is a rhizomatous species that forms dense colonies and provides excellent cover for waterfowl and spawning fish. It grows 4-5’ tall and blooms in June-July.  Scirpus tabermontanii is common...

Spatterdock is a member of the native floating leaf aquatic community. Nuphar occurs in quiet back waters along tidal creeks and rivers as well as inland ponds and swamps. It has a oval heart shaped leaves that provide cover and shade for...

Eleocharis obtusa, Spike rush, is typically one of the first colonizers of a freshly dug storm water basin or pond. Eleocharis obtusa forms attractive lime green clumps 1' tall topped with a blunt dark brown seed head in mid...

Asclepias incarnata, Swamp milkweed, is a decorative and essential perennial to any moist full sun habitat, pale pink blossoms explode with color from late June thru August. Standing 2-4’ tall Asclepias incarnat...

Rosa palustris, Swamp Rose, prefers moist, acidic habitats such as bogs, swamps, the edges of ponds and lakes or any poorly drained wetsoil. Swamp Rose is favored for its 2" fragrant pink flowers which offer nectar to bee...

Hibiscus moscheutos, Swamp rose-mallow, is a  fast growing cold-hardy plant.  Striking when grown in colonies in average to moist soil in wetlands, on pond edges and along streambanks. Growing 4-6' tall in full sun, Sw...

Helianthus angustifolius, Swamp sunflower, is a narrow leaf perennial sunflower that will thrive in moist soil with full sun to part shade. Fairly inconspicuous fine textured attractive dark green leaves with maroon stems f...

Acorus americanus, native sweetflag, has aromatic foliage, similar to Iris in shape, yet unpalatable to geese and deer. Sweetflag spreads moderately from a thick rhizome forming a dense mat along pond shores and stre...

Panicum virgatum, Panic grass, is a colonizing perennial grass that grows in large clumps 3-6' tall with sturdy, flat, glossy leaf blades. When used in prairies and bottomland sites, Panic grass develops lon...

Scirpus americanus, Three Square Rush, is a rhizomatous species that forms loose colonies growing 3-4’ tall. Scirpus americanus has a medium spread rate and is a great stabilizer of pond banks and river banks. Three Square Rush provides exce...

Dulichium arundinaceum, Three way sedge,  is one of the easier to identify sedges.  Looking straight down on the plant, leaves growing in ranks of three are visible.  The upright stems growing...

Carex stricta, Tussock sedge,  is one of the most elegant, fine textured sedges.  Tussock sedge gracefully arches giving it the appearance of fountain grass. It will form dense tussocks rising above the waterline. Tussock s...

Elymus virginicus or Virginia wild rye is a versatile shade tolerant cool season grass which grows just over 3' tall and offers great perennial competition against Japanese stiltgrass. The slightly drooping seed heads...

Equisetum fluviatile, Water horsetail, is a fairly slender medium-sized Equisetum growing 1-2' tall in dense dark green colonies along shorelines and shallow water. Although lacking true leaves or flowers, the upright stems of Wa...

Alisma subcordatum, water plantain, is a clump forming seed colonizer which thrives in permanently inundated quiet water. Water plantain becomes recognizable early in the growing season with its submerged strap ...

Polygonum amphibium, Water Smartweed, is a sprawling perennial with willow-like leaves, reddish stems, and clusters of small flowers found in shallow water along the margins of lakes, ponds, and streams. The rhizomes of Polygonum a...

Justicia americana, Water willow, grows from creeping rhizomes in large dense colonies submerged along the shorelines of lakes, ponds, and standing water. The hardiest of the Justicia species, the Water willow grows 1-2' t...

Decodon verticillatus, Water willow, is a perennial herb with a woody base at the bottom of its arching leafy stems. Decodon verticillatus is often found on the edges of standing water, lazy streams or marshy swamp...

Chelone glabra, White turtle head, is a deer resistant perennial perfect for shaded or woodland gardens with moist soil.  Striking white snapdragon like flowers are a great addition to the garden in late...

Zizania aquatica, Wild Rice, is a native grass found in marshes, pond edges, lakes, and rivers has an extremely branched inflorescence which produces edible grains for humans and wildlife. Although Wild Rice grows 8-10' tall, the s...

Cinna arundinacea, Wood reedgrass, is a strong competitor against Japanese stilt grass! The attractive Wood reedgrass grows well in fertile moist soil with light shade or dappled sunlight. Most growth occurs during the Summ...

Scirpus cyperinus, Woolgrass, gets its name from its fluffy ornamental inflorescence which stands at 4-5’and blooms from late July to early September.  Scirpus cyperinus is a clump forming fine textured broad leaf rush that is common in...

Solidago rugosa, Wrinkled Leaf Goldenrod, is a spectacular member of the Aster family.  Wrinkled Leaf Goldenrod explodes with yellow color to bring a naturalized brilliance to any wetland restoration project. Th...