Plants for Swampy, Spring-Fed Areas in West Virginia

A three-acre rural property has hillside springs and a flat, swampy zone too wet to mow. The owner wants colorful, low-maintenance plantings for both areas.

Wetland Plant Strategy

Plant selection depends on soil type, water depth, sun exposure, and duration of saturation. The best first step: contact your county extension office for a localized wetland plant list. Meanwhile, consider these proven performers for saturated soils:

• Ferns: Ostrich fern, royal fern, cinnamon fern
• Iris: Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), Louisiana iris hybrids
• Shrubs: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)
• Perennials: Swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, Joe-Pye weed, turtlehead

Resources: Wetland Plants | Native Wetland Plants | WVU Extension Wetlands

— Sean J. Murphy, Amenity Architects