Grasses That Tolerate Wet Winters

Carex Plants

• The genus Carex consists of more than 1,500 species of perennial ornamental grasses that are mire commonly known as "sedges." Nearly all Carex plant species originate from damp growing conditions, making them ideal for areas that experience wet winters so long as they are not exposed to standing water. Varieties that are particularly tolerant of wet cold seasons, and even short periods of standing water, include Carex Ice Dance and Carex oshimensis Evergold.

Idaho Fescue

• Idaho fescue, or Festuca idahoensis, is a cool-season ornamental grass that is tolerant of drought and wet weather. Conservation Seeding & Restoration, Inc. notes that Idaho fescue is a perennial, clump-forming bunchgrass that features fine, bluish-green basal leaves and can tolerate a wide range of soils. Idaho fescue needs protection from the dry summer heat, but thrives under cool, moist winter conditions.

Leymus Cinereus

• Conservation Seeding & Restoration, Inc. lists Leymus cinereus as a cool-season bunchgrass that is tolerant of wet conditions, and even short periods of flooding or standing water. Great Basin Wildrye, as it is commonly called, features flat, wide leaves and tall flower spikes that bloom in shades of yellow, orange and green during autumn. It can reach heights between 4 and 6 feet and tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

Luzula Plants

• Cloud Mountain Farms lists species of Luzala plants, more commonly known as woodrushes, as grasses that tolerate wet winters. Saving Water notes that the species Luzula nivea, or snowy woodrush, and Luzula sylvatica, or greater woodrush, are particularly hardy in wet winter conditions, whether from poor soil drainage or constant seepage.