5 Native Trees FOR WET SOILS

These Trees Tolerate Wet Feet

It's really no surprise that native plants are nature's problem solvers in lowcountry landscapes. They've adapted to our some of our region's most adverse growing conditions such as dry or wet soils, salt exposure, and Charleston's hot, humid summers.

Listed here are native tree cultivars that address one issue that Charleston residents know well - wet soils, or areas that tend to hold water in their landscapes after heavy rains.  The good news is that each of these varieties provide a beautiful and functional solution when deciding what to plant in or near those damp, problem areas.

Dura Heat® River Birch

This multi-trunk, fast-growing River Birch exhibits attractive peeling bark and diamond-shaped green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Adaptable to a variety of soil types, it is notably tolerant of clay and poorly drained soils.

Mature size: 30'-40'h x 25'-35'w

Silver Mist Sweet Bay Magnolia

A silvery spin on our native Sweet Bay Magnolia, Silver Mist offers showy silver-backed leaves, compact growth habit, and plentiful fragrant blooms May through August. Silver Mist prefers moist soils and is tolerant of clay.

Mature size: 35'-45'h x 20'-30'w

Little Gem Magnolia

Like all Southern Magnolias, Little Gem is not only moderately tolerant of salt, but also prefers moist, rich soils. Abundant white, fragrant flowers last spring through fall against a backdrop of glossy, deep green foliage.

Mature size: 40'-50'h x 10'-15'w

Cascade Falls Weeping Bald Cypress

A unique variety of our native Bald Cypress, Cascade Falls has an eye-catching, graceful form that is softened by feathery foliage that is bright green in spring and burnt orange in fall. Damp soils are ideal for this tree, making it a great choice for a rain garden or other damp area of your landscape.

Mature size: 12'-15'h x 8'-10'w (branches will drape to the ground and continue to sprawl, but can be easily maintained with pruning)

Red Flame Maple

A fast-growing, beautiful shade tree! Red Maples adapt readily to wet soils here in the southeast, but can also thrive if provided with supplemental irrigation when planted in well-drained soils. Enjoy beautiful red shades on new growth that transition to bright green during the growing season and a brilliant "flame" red color in fall.

Mature size: 50'-60'h x 25'-35'w

All of these native trees and more are available now at our Garden Center at 1290 Brownswood Road on Johns Island. Come out to see us soon - a Nursery Professional would be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect tree for your landscape!

For Planting Success:

​We highly recommend amending the soil in your planting area with Brownswood Premium Planting Mix as well as a starter fertilizer such as Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus to give your new plants their best start. You can find our Planting Guide at the link below. It provides planting instructions and helpful information about watering and getting new plants established. We look forward to seeing you at the Garden Center!

Download Our Planting Guide