Plants & Bushes That Like Water

Many plant species thrive either along the water's edge, directly in water or in very wet soil. Among them are perennials, ferns, bushes and trees. Plants and bushes that thrive on an abundance of water serve well as specialized landscaping accents along the borders of ponds, in low-lying wet spots in a yard and in water gardens.

Water and bog gardens, as well as the edges of ponds, are suitable places to establish the water clover (Marsilea quadrifolia), also known as pepperwort. Native to Europe but naturalized in parts of the United States, water clover grows about 6 inches tall, in or around water, with leaves resembling shamrocks. Water clover does not withstand cold climates, so its habitat is limited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10. Water clover does best when it's planted in full sun, but the species can handle a shady site.

As a screen in wet spots or near ponds, the rose gold pussy willow (Salix gracilistyla) is an attractive bush in winter. Growing to 10 feet, the hybrid form called Melanostachys flowers in March and prefers wet soil in constant sun. The stems have a purple-black sheen to them that's especially noticeable during the winter months. This cultivar does have a vulnerability to bugs, such as scales and aphids, but it works well where other bushes fail to take hold. Cut your Melanostachys back all the way to the ground every 3 to 4 years and watch it rebound stronger than ever.

Grow lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) in an ornamental pool or place this water-loving plant next to a pond on your land. Lizard's tail is a perennial that grows in all light conditions and even flowers in the shade. The small, white flowers emerge on spikes as long as 1 foot, from June into autumn's start. Lizard's tail grows between 1 to 2 feet and its foliage, roots and flowers smell like citrus fruit.

In the opinion of the Missouri Botanical Garden, there's nothing especially striking about the silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), but its capacity to grow in wet areas makes it useful to landscapers. The silky dogwood bush grows between 6 and 12 feet high and deters soil erosion because it can form thickets. Wherever its branches meet the ground, new growth can take hold. Silky dogwood is a native bush in much of the eastern half of North America, is easy to transplant and thrives in sun and shade.