Native Plants for Rain Gardens
Best Natives for Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens provide valuable ecosystem services by holding water on site and reducing the stress on stormwater and sewage systems. Native plants have deep root systems to help absorb and cleanse storm water and are surprisingly adaptable to soil moisture fluctuations. These plants will root deep and thrive in saturated soil but are also drought tolerant and impressively adaptable. Browse the top natives for rain gardens that will protect and transform your landscape. Every site is different so please contact us and we can help suggest the right species for your site.
Common Rush
Juncus effusus
Pollinators: 6 species
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: n/a
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moderate-Wet
Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium maculatum
Pollinators: 65 species
Height: 5′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: Pink
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Wet
Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Pollinators: 8 species
Height: 5′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Wet
Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Pollinators: 106 species
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: Yellow
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moderate
Culver’s Root
Veronicastrum virginicum
Pollinators: 59 species
Height: 5′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Moderate
Marsh Blazingstar
Liatris spicata
Pollinators: 60 species
Height: 5′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: Violet
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Moderate-Wet
Sallow Sedge
Carex lurida
Pollinators: 12 species
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: May-Aug
Bloom Color: n/a
Sun: All
Soil: Wet
Palm Sedge
Carex muskingumensis
Pollinators: 18 species
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: June-July
Bloom Color: n/a
Sun: All
Soil: Moderate
Northern Dropseed
Sporobolus heterolepis
Pollinators: 14 species
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: Aug-Oct
Bloom Color: Gold/Brown
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Moderate
Wild Petunia
Ruellia humilis
Pollinators: 20 species
Height: 1′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: Violet
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moderate-Dry
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea palilida
Pollinators: 98 species
Height: 3′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: Lavender
Sun: Part Sun
Soil: Moderate-Dry
Prairie Coreopsis
Coreopsis palmata
Pollinators: 147 species
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: Yellow
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Moderate-Dry
Wetland Indicator Status Codes
Selecting the right type of plant for the job
Wetland natives are vital for biodiversity, protecting water quality and for general ecosystem regulation. Their extensive root systems act as anchors, ensuring the integrity of the landscape by preventing both erosion and flooding while nobly serving all surrounding life. Wetland species are ideal for use directly adjacent to the waterline of pond and stream shorelines where the soil remains saturated and the water level consistently fluctuates 1-2″.
Wetland Code
- OBL - Always occurs in a wetland
- UPL - Almost never occurs in a wetland
- FACW - Usually occurs in wetlands, sometimes in non-wetlands
- FAC - Occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Type
- DRY - Almost never occurs in a wetland
- MODERATE - Occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
- WET - Always occurs in a wetland
Rain Garden FAQ
How long does it take for a rain garden to drain?
A well-designed rain garden should allow water to fully infiltrate within 24 hours. If the water remains longer, the garden may have drainage issues, which could be caused by compacted soil or poor placement.
Can a rain garden help with drought conditions?
While rain gardens are designed to capture excess stormwater, they can also help during dry periods by promoting deeper root growth and improving soil health. Once established, the native plants in the rain garden are typically drought-tolerant and can survive through dry spells without extra watering.