Tree / shrub recommendations for wet, sloping area of backyard

Question: Hello,

We moved to a new construction home in southwestern Wake county last year. Our basement lot is  low-lying, with a significant slope in the backyard, and gets a lot of surface rainwater from neighboring lots. It also has a high water table, with a natural spring that trickles water all year round. See attached photo - dark brown spots in the dark mulch on the slope are from the natural spring.

Can you please suggest some small tree or shrub recommendations for this area that:
- Will do well in the wet muddy soil
- Slow down erosion on the slope
- Good to have - attractive foliage and attract pollinators

Thank you!

responder: Melody Replied July 10, 2023, 12:20 PM EDT
response: Hello!  From looking at your picture would I be right that this is a sunny location? Assuming that it is grasses are the answer to erosion control. Native grasses have extensive fibrous root systems that are excellent for erosion control, and they tend to reseed themselves. Some will grow short and tall so you can create an attractive bed.     Sedges that are a lower growing species and generally like a moist or wet environment are;  Carex plantaginea (plantainleaf sedge) is an evergreen with a tinge of red-purple.  Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee sedge  Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama) grows to 2 or 3 feet in height in sod-forming clumps that help stabilize a slope. It is a warm season grass that may turn red or purple in the fall.  Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats) is one of our favorites. The plant shoots spikelets of large pods on 2-4 foot slender stems that arch gracefully. In fall they turn a lovely yellow and are candidates to add to a dry bouquet.   Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem) is another attractive grass that thrives in low moist areas.  Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass), another sod-former, is a tall (3-8 feet) yellow, prairie grass that can be quite showy and grows in almost any degree of light or moisture.    Here are a few others to consider that are evergreen plants which tolerate, or require, wet soils in North Carolina:   TREES/SHRUBS: Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf) Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar) Ilex glabra (inkberry) Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) Rhododendron maximum (great laurel) Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)  VARIOUS HERBACEOUS PLANTS: Adiantum capillus-veneris (common maidenhair) is evergreen in mild winters. Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush) Equisetum hyemale (scouringrush horsetail) Gelsemium rankinii (Rankin's trumpetflower)  Hydrocotyle umbellata (manyflower marshpennywort) Maianthemum canadense (Canada mayflower) Rhynchospora colorata (starrush whitetop)  For more options try this link to the NCSU Plant Toolbox; https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/  I hope this helps!  Please let us know if you have any other questions.  Thank you for contacting us!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 4:34 PM EDT
response: This is super detailed and helpful, thanks a ton! Will research the options in more detail.   You’re right, this is a sunny location.   I had asked the question initially for the small muddy area with the natural spring. We have a larger area, around 1600 sqft, that is steeply graded, and receives a torrent of water during rains. We currently have it mulched but the mulch slides off during storms, like the one that came through yesterday.   Are there grasses you’d recommend for this larger area that establish relatively quickly and will help with erosion control? Besides just sodding with the Bermudagrass we have on the rest of our lawn.   Thank you.  Amit   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> Date: Monday, July 10, 2023 at 12:20 PM To: Amit Mohan <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Tree / shrub recommendations for wet, sloping area of backyard (#0109627)

responder: Melody Replied July 10, 2023, 5:54 PM EDT
response: Hello again,  You can establish grasses quickly but it may be difficult in our hot summer temperatures.  You may want to wait till fall.  It will be easier on the plant.  Also, it looks like you have shredded mulch down.  Is that right?  If so, I just wanted to mention that pine straw doesn't run off and usually stays in place better than shredded mulch.  I realize you can't put pine straw against a house but this area should be fine.  Just wanted you to know.  Good luck,  it already looks so nice!