What Plants Soak Up a Lot of Water?

Plants are nature’s water filters, sucking up water from the ground and transporting it to the leaves where it is turned into oxygen through photosynthesis. Some plants, however, are better at soaking up water than others. Whether you are looking to improve drainage in a boggy area of your yard, or simply want to add plants that are water-efficient, here are some plants that soak up a lot of water.

1. Water Lilies

Water lilies are aquatic plants that have large, round leaves that float on top of the water. Because they are growing in water, they are constantly taking up water, which makes them great for filtering the water in ponds and other bodies of water. They are also beautiful to look at and can add a pop of color to your water feature.

2. Cattails

Cattails are another water-loving plant that can help to filter water. They have long, reed-like stems and produce stalks of brown flowers in the late summer. Cattails are also useful for erosion control and can help to protect the shoreline of ponds and lakes.

3. Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is a perennial plant that is native to wetland areas of North America. It has long, narrow leaves and produces clusters of pink or mauve flowers. As the name suggests, swamp milkweed can grow in very moist soil and is tolerant of flooding.

4. Snowball Viburnum

Snowball viburnum is a shrub that is native to North America. It produces large, white snowball-like flowers in the spring and early summer. Snowball viburnum can grow in wet soil and thrives in areas with high humidity.

5. Pickerel Weed

Pickerel weed is an aquatic plant that has spikes of blue or purple flowers. It is a hardy plant that can grow in shallow water or in boggy areas. Pickerel weed is also a great source of food for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

6. Water Lettuce

Water lettuce is a floating plant that is native to South America. It has long, trailing roots that can soak up a lot of water. Water lettuce is also great for filtering water, and can help to reduce algae growth in ponds and other bodies of water.

7. Cardinal Flower

The cardinal flower is a native North American plant that produces tall spikes of bright red flowers in late summer. It prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate wet conditions. The plant is named after its bright red color, which is reminiscent of a cardinal's bright red plumage.

Whether you are looking to improve the drainage in a wet area of your yard, or simply want to add some water-loving plants to your garden, these plants are great choices for soaking up a lot of water.