Native  

Herbaceous Perennial 

Hibiscus moscheutos 

swamp rose mallow 

This large, long-lived perennial is very showy at the water’s edge.

indicator status           OBL        

habitat Alluvial meadows, swamp forest edges, and brackish marshes; pH 4.0-7.5.

characteristics A crown-forming species; grows to 6’ tall; 10” minimum root depth; full sun; no drought tolerance; low salt tolerance; blooms from early June to September; flowers have white petals with red bases.

Native 

Herbaceous Perennial

Iris versicolor

blue flag 

Provides food for waterfowl, marsh birds, and muskrats.

indicator status          OBL        

habitat Wet meadows, bogs, and marshes; pH 5.0-7.0.

characteristics A decorative species that spreads by rhizomes; grows to 2’ tall; moderate shade tolerance; blooms from May to June; purplish blue flowers.

Native  

Herbaceous Perennial  

Juncus effusus  

soft rush  

Provides food and cover for songbirds and waterfowl, and spawning grounds for bluegills in shallow water.  

indicator status            FACW          

habitat    Swamps, moist fields, flood plains, shores, and ditches; pH 5.5-7.0. 

characteristics    A bunch-type species; grows to 4’ tall; 24” minimum root depth; full sun; moderate drought tolerance; low salt tolerance; blooms from July to September in Regions 1 and 3, and March to May in Region 2. This species has a long bloom window. Our observations indicate peak bloom times: May to June in NC, and April to June in FL.