Rain Garden Plants

Created by Teddy Wong & Jeffrey Zhang

Large TreesOver 30'

Red MapleThe red maple is one of the most common trees in America. It grows mainly in the Northeast, and can

grow in a variety of soils and conditions, from swamps to dry soil.

The red maple grows to an average height of 49 feet. This deciduous tree turns red in the fall, and flowers

in the fall

River Birch

The river birch is the most common birch in the eastern United States, whereas most birches prefer the colder climate in the north. It does not tolerate shade, and grows the best in moist soil and during dry summers.

Small Treesunder 30'

Eastern Redbud

The redbud is a deciduous tree that can grow in full sun or light shade, and some shade is preferred in windy areas. It grows pink flowers in April, and forms a spreading crown.

American Holly

The American Holly is an evergreen. It can be pruned as a hedge, or it can grow out as a full tree. Hollies are widely used for landscaping. The American Holly can be distinguished by its bright red berries.

American Holly

Shrubs

Chokeberry

Chokeyberries are small shrubs (2-4 m) that grow mainly in Eastern America. These shrubs produce small and colorful 7-10 mm berries that are inedible when raw. Chokeberries can come in a variety of colors, and are mainly used as ornamental plants for gardens (like a rain garden!)

Chokeberry

Sweet Shrub

The sweet shrub is a very distinctive flowering plant that grows to be about 7 feet high. The leaves are about 4 inches long and 1.7 inches broad. The plant produces its distinctive pink-red flower in the early summer, which is strongly scented.

Perennials

Blue Star

Blue stars are perennial flowering plants that produce blue flowers. The flowers bloom from April to May, and attract butterflies. Blue stars are very low maintenance and grow up to 2-3 feet high.

Swamp Milkweed

The swamp milkweed, also known as pink milkweed, is a showy perennial plant, blossoming small rose-purple flowers. It has tan-brown seed pods that are visible even in the winter. Its juice is less milky than that of other milkweed species.

Swamp Milkweed

Ornamental Grasses

River Oats

River oats are a type grass that live in Eastern America, but prefer warmer climates. River oats typically grow up to 3 ft high and have a distinctive grain like shape. Once established, river oats can survive both long periods of drought and long periods of flooding.

Indiangrass

Indian grass is a tall North American prairie grass that is normally found in the Midwest. It can withstand long periods of drought and 2 days of flooding, and will regrow quickly if there is a wildfire