10 Ohio Native Plants for Wet Areas in Your Yard

Some people still have not recognized yet that wet areas can be the best spot to plant the native plants in Ohio. Moreover, if you already have the clay or sandy type soil. Although they love wet areas, most of them require full sun for better bloom results. Ohio native plants for wet areas are varied, but you can check them out one by one here.

If you are still confused about them, you can start with the grass first or the plants that we think are low maintenance. It is time to give a fresh look to your rain garden!

1. Wild bergamot

The beautiful flowers that love wet areas. Wild bergamot has a fragrance that is similar to mint. So, it can freshen the area if you plant it. Although the plants can thrive in wet locations, a good air circulation is needed too.

Also, don’t forget to place it under full sun. It is deer resistant, so you don’t have to worry if you have a plan to plant one near your home.

ohio native plants for wet areas
Wild Bergamot

2. Switchgrass

In Ohio, planting the grass is pretty common. That’s why you can plant switchgrass there. This grass is not too difficult to handle since it can tolerate poorly drained wet ones and low fertility soil moisture, and occasional flooding.

Yet, this plant loves moist and well drained soil.

ohio native plants for wet areas
Switchgrass

3. Common winterberry

The plants that love wet areas have a bloom period from April to July. So, during spring and mid summer, you can see the fruits are produced by the trees.

Moreover, these plants will tolerate poor drainage and a winter hardy too. Please prepare for the moist soil with a type of clay or sandy for best bloom, since its native habitat is at the swamps, ponds or lakes.

Common winterberry

4. Northern Spicebush

This is the most useful wet plant that you can start to establish. You can use the leaves for making tea, and the red fruits can be used as the spice. So, it will be very helpful for your kitchen if you have this one in your rain gardens.

Northern Spicebush

Spicebush loves moist, sandy and well-drained soil. You can place it under the full sun to part shade. Besides, it is not only useful for you, but also for the birds and butterflies.

5. Big Bluestem

Another type of grasses that will not disturb your activity as long as this one is planted under the full sun. It can handle higher drought tolerance, but it loves sandy, loamy or clay soil.

You can call it Turkey Foot as well. Its color is not the same as the common grass, so it can add a new layer in your garden once you have it. 

ohio native plants for wet areas
Big Bluestem

6. Swamp Rose

The pale pink flowers with green foliage are pretty suitable for the rain garden because the original habitat of Swamp Rose is on swamps, ponds and lakes. It also loves wet soil and moist soil.

You need full sun to part shade, so for the shade gardens, you can place it too. The flowers have fragrance and it will attract the birds

Swamp Rose

7. Common Ninebark

These shrubs attract butterflies, birds, and pollinators. The soil types for this plant are clay, sandy or loamy. Such a typical for the plants who love wet areas.

ohio native plants for wet areas
Common Ninebark

8. Stiff Goldenrod

These plants are native to Ohio. The bright yellow flowers will bloom in early fall, so you can feel its warmth vibe although the weather is cooler after the summer just gone.

Stiff Goldenrod

Stiff Goldenrod loves full sun and you can plant it inside the clay, loam or sandy soil, but it prefers consistently moist soil to reach the best when the bloom period comes.

As the flowers bloom, the birds, butterflies, pollinators and host plants will come.


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9. Black Eyed Susan

Well, nope, it doesn’t belong to the sunflower family, but the Aster family. Yes, Black Eyed Susan is considered to be the Aster family. You can see it through the petals.

The bright yellow flowers attract butterflies, bees and also attract other beneficial insects.

Black Eyed Susan

The name of black eyed refers to the black center of the flower. Black Eyed Susan will be happy inside the rich and moist soil and place it under the full sun to reach the stunning colors during blooming time.

10. New England Aster

This plant is a source food for Monarch butterflies, so do not be surprised if it attracts butterflies, birds, and bees, especially when the bloom period comes. It loves wet soils.

New England Aster

Besides, when most flowers can enjoy its blooming during spring or summer, this plant has a late bloom, which is starting in August to October. An area which is exposed from the full sun to part shade is the best area for the plants.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are native plants to Ohio?

Black Eyed Susan, Stiff Goldenrod, and Wild Bergamot can be found easily in Ohio. They are some Ohio native plants for wet areas. So, you can start establishing them now for a stunning garden.

What can I plant in my wet area in my yard?

You can start with the grass and perennials to plant your wet area in the yard. Big bluestem, Black Eyed Susan and Wild Bergamot can be a good choice for your new plants. Don’t forget to check the lighting requirement before establishing it. 

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