Landscaping Ideas for Wet Locations

Water Tupelo

• Water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) is a tree well-suited to wet locations with tolerance to flooding, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. Water tupelos are deciduous trees often found in wet sites like floodplains, swamplands and bottomlands, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension. Leaves are simple and ovular in shape with a dark green color. The tree's trunk displays brown or dark gray, ridged bark. As the trees are either male or female, they both produce flowers and dark blue to purple fruit, but only the male tree is considered allergenic. With a height of up to 100 feet, water tupelos are prized for the flavorful honey produced by visiting bees. Grow water tupelos in full sunlight. These trees are well-suited for use as specimen trees and thrive when grown near a body of water like a pond or lake.

Inkberry

• Inkberry shrubs (Ilex glabra), also referred to as gallberry plants, are known for their ability to thrive in wet locations that may offer poorly drained soil, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. Inkberries are evergreen shrubs with a clumping, erect habit and deep green leaves. Female plants produce black drupe fruits that resemble berries; fruit appears from September to May, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Inkberries reach a height of 6 to 8 feet and are well-suited for use as hedges or specimen plants. Grow in full sun to partial shade and acid soil.

Swamp Lily

• For the addition of scent and color to your wet location, add perennial swamp lilies (Crinum americanum) to your landscape. Swamp lilies, as their name suggests, are well-suited for flooded conditions, according to the Clemson University Extension. Also referred to as the string lily, this herbaceous bulb displays shiny, vivid green leaves that form a rosette as well as beautiful, fragrant flowers in white and pink with stamens displaying yellow ends. With a total height of approximately 2 feet, swamp lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and tolerate salt. Practice caution when planting these moisture-loving perennials as swamp lilies are poisonous when ingested. For best use, grow swamp lilies as border plants or as a fast-growing ground cover.