Kansas City is the center of a conservation project known as 10,000 Rain Gardens. Soil grading designed to slow and direct water run off in urban and suburban areas can be as small as a several square feet dug out to catch water from gutter drains, or as large as catch ponds on commercial building sites where parking lots and large roof areas create excessive run off.

There are many perennials, shrubs and trees that will happily grow in poorly drained areas. By choosing plants appropriate to your site, you can turn a difficult garden challenge into a beautiful, low maintenance garden feature.

To create your own backyard rain garden, dig a depression in your yard at its lowest point and use the lists below to choose appropriate plants. Where water stands constantly, use plants that are suited to bogs. These plants are adapted to collecting oxygen even when their roots are always covered with water. Most of the plants listed below can also withstand periods of drought because they are marginal aquatic plants which are suited to dry seasons when waters can recede.

 PERENNIALS, GRASSES & NATIVES

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' (variegated sweet flag)

Chartruese and green stripes on grassy 12" tall foliage. Excellent plant for water's edge, but will also tolerate drier soil in shade. Zone 5

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (feather reed grass)

Upright grass with fluffy seed heads that appear much earlier than other ornamental grasses. 3-4' tall and stays very columnar in habit. Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year! Height of 3-4' and 2-3' spread. Plant in full sun to part shade. Zone 5

Calamagrostis acutiflora (x) 'Overdam'

White edged leaves in compact, upright clumps. Pink plumes on 36" stems in early summer. 3-4' height and 2-3' spread. Full sun to light shade. Zone 5

Caltha palustrus (cowslip, marsh marigold)

Bright yellow flowers cover this wetland native over glossy green, round leaves in late spring. Grows to 2' tall and goes dormant in the heat of the summer. Native for partial shade to full sun. Zone 3
 
 Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' (turtlehead)

Deep hot pink flowers cover this wetland selection. Glossy, dark green foliage is tinted bronze in spring with red stems. Requires consistently moist location in full sun to part shade. Butterflies are attracted to the blooms. Native. Plant in sun to part shade. Zone 3

Equisetum hyemale (horsetail, scouring rush)

This ancient native plant is often found fossilized in limestone. Hollow, tubular stems grow 2-4' high in most soils, but will spread rampantly in moist, boggy areas. Zone 2

Houttynia cordata 'Chameleon'

This attractive Korean groundcover has beautiful heart-shaped foliage of bright green, white and pink. Easy to grow, this plant flowers in summer with small white star-shaped blooms. We use it in containers, as well as garden beds. It's drought tolerant, but also grows in water! Plants grow 12-15" tall and spread like groundcover. Grows in sun or shade. Zone 5
Iris pseudocarpus (yellow flag)
 
Yellow blooms on this hardy, water tolerant iris. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Iris siberica 'Ceasar's Brother' (Siberian)

Blooms after bearded iris and tolerates boggy conditions. Dark purple blooms atop 36-42" stems. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Iris siberica 'Butter and Sugar'

Blooms after bearded iris and tolerates boggy conditions. Creamy white standards are surrounded by butter yellow falls. Sometimes reblooms in fall.. 28" tall. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Iris siberica 'White Swirl'

Blooms after bearded iris and tolerates boggy conditions. This is the best white, opening atop 30" stems. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower)

Green foliage is topped with 3' scarlet flower spikes July through September. Prefers moist soils, in sun to shade. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Native. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria'

Spikes of brilliant scarlet-red flowers atop 3-4' tall plants with maroon foliage. Blooms open late summer, and plants grow well in boggy conditions, where they'll tolerate mor sunlight. Sun to part shade. Zone 3
Lysimachia ciliata 'Purpurea'

Nodding yellow flowers atop 24" stems over deep purple foliage. Spreads by seed, and seems to do equally well in dry gravel! Plant in sun or shade. Zone 3
Lysimachia nummularia (moneywort)

Round, green leaves create a low-growing mat with small yellow flowers. 'Aurea' is a bright chartreuse selection. Both spread rapidly in moist locations, and also make fantastic trailing foliage plants in hanging baskets and containers. Will grow in sun or shade, but requires more moisture in sunnier locations. Native. Plant in sun or shade. Zone 4
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (golden creeping Jenny)

Golden yellow version of the native, this little spreader is so pretty we use in in annual containers and hanging baskets. Especially nice with tuberous begonias. Also wonderful as a contrast foliage underplanting in the shade garden with hostas, heucheras and other large leaved perennials. Plant in sun or shade. Zone 4
Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander' (variegated garden loosestrife)

Golden yellow flower spikes 24-36" tall on hardy, easy care perennials with pretty green and cream variegated leaves that are blushed with pink in cool weather. Plant in sun or shade. Zone 4

Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta' (ribbon grass)

18" leaves variegated with white. Spreads aggressively so plant in a confined location. Full sun. Zone 3

 SHRUBS

 Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' (chokeberry)
Excellent for mass plantings and borders, this shrub blooms in May with white flowers. In fall, bright red berries appear and last well into winter. Fall foliage can rival the scarlet of sumac or buring bush. Likes moist or well-drained soil. Shrubs grow 6-9' tall and 5-8' wide in full sun to part shade. Zone 5-8
 Aronia melancarpa 'Elata' (black chokeberry)
Persistent black fruit and wine-red fall foliage make this a useful landscape shrub. Adaptable to most soils, and happy to grow in sun to partial shade. Lustrous, dark green leaves and white flowers on shrubs that grow 6-10' high and wide. Zone 3-8
 Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush)
Native to North America, this shrub grows with a rounded habit in boggy soils and produces showy round white blossoms in late summer. Grows 3-6' tall and around. Zone 5-10
 Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' (summersweet)
Truly intoxicating fragrance is strong enough to enjoy from the next yard! White flower spikes appear in July and August on this rounded shrub, and fall foliage color is golden yellow. Prefers moist, well-drained, acid soil in sun or shade. Grows 5-8' tall and wide. Zone 4-9
 Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
All of the fragrance and performance of 'Hummingbird' with deep, rose-colored blooms. Zone 4-9
 Cornus alba 'Argenteo-Marginata' (variegated dogwood)
This very lovely dogwood has white-edged foliage and white flowers. Excellent accent with it's brightly variegated leaves. Shrubs grow 6-8' tall and around in full sun to light shade. Zone 4-7
 Cornus alba 'Aurea' (golden dogwood)
Soft yellow leaves brighten any dull landscape with contrasting color, and the red stems of this shrub create a nice texture. Color holds well even in full sun. Shrubs grow 6-10' high and wide. Zone 4-7
 Cornus sanguinea (red-twigged dogwood)
Small white flowers are 1 1/2-2 inches across, with purple berries following. This variety is grown primarily for its beautiful red twigs, which add interest in winter. Try a planting with the striking white trunks of 'Whitespire' birch behind for a sculptural winter garden! Shrubs grow 6-8' tall and around in sun to partial shade. Zone 4-7
 Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' (yellow-twigged dogwood)
Similar to Cornus sanguinea, but has a tendency to sucker making it perfect for mass plantings. Grows 6-8' tall and around. Zone 2-7
Ilex glabra 'Shamrock' (inkberry holly)
Native from Nova Scotia south to florida and west the the Mississippi, this hardy evergreen holly has glossy, dark green ovate leaves and black fruit. Grows 5-6' high and wide. Plant in sun or shade. Zone 4-9
 Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' (Virgina sweetspire)
Showy white, fragrant flower spires on racemes in late spring last for weeks. Excellent fall color. These shrubs are highly adaptable and easy to grow! This variety grow 4-5' tall and around in sun or shade. Tolerant of poorly draining soils. Zone 5-9
 Itea virginica 'Little Henry' (dwarf Virginia sweetspire)
All of the fantastic qualities of 'Henry's Garnet' in a more compact growing shrub. Mature size is 3-4' tall with a 5' spread. Zone 5-9

Lindera benzoin (spicebush)
Bruised stems emit a strong, spicy-sweet odor, and bright yellow flowers cover these stems in April. Foliage turns a pleasing yellow in fall. Fruit occurs on female plants. Prefers moist, acid soil in full sun to part shade. This native plant grows 6-12' tall and around. Zone 4-9
 Salix caprea 'French Pink' (pussywillow)
As early as late February, hairy white buds begin to swell along the long stems of this huge shrub or small multi-trunk tree. Growing in virtually any soil under any conditions, space seems the only limitation to planting a pussywillow! Stems can be cut in January and brought indoors to force for wonderful early spring arrangements. Grows 15-25' tall with a spread of 12-15'. Zone 4-8
 Salix integra 'Hakuru Nishiki'
Finely textured, variegated leaves of green are splashed with white and a blush of pink. Shrubs can be kept pruned and make wonderful potted specimens, or allowed to grow to their full potential of 8-12' high and wide. Variegation holds best in afternoon shade, and plants in full sun require more supplemental water. Zone 5
 Salix melanostachys (black pussywillow)
Another early spring catkin producer, only stems are jet black, and pussy buds dark brown-black. Stunning specimen with similar low-maintenance needs of 'French Pink'. Grows 8-10' tall and wide. Zone 5
 Salix matsudana 'Torulosa' (corkscrew willow)
Can be used as a tree or shrub form, and is an interesting specimen in the landscape with it's twisted branches, loopy branches. Another variety, Ram's Horn, also has twisted, crushed leaves. Grows to 20' tall and 15' wide in sun or shade. Loves wet feet, but is also tolerant of dry soil. Zone 4
 Salix purpurea 'Nana' (dwarf arctic blue willow)
Makes an attractive hedge and is exceptionally hardy. Foliage is a nice blue color, and the small leaf size creates a nice texture in the landscape. Grows 4-8' tall and around in full sun to part shade. Preferes wet soil. Zone 4-6
Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry)
You see the large white flower clusters along roadways in summer. Medium-sixed purple-black berries follow in August and September, and make wonderful jams, jellies and wine! Prefering moist soils, this shrub can grow in dry sites also but not as vigorously. Plants mature to a height of 6-10' with a spread of 6-8'. Full sun to light shade. Zone 3-9

 TREES

Acer rubrum (red maple)
Unnamed cultivar red maples start each spring with showy red flowers on upright, rounded trees that grow 45-65' high and 60' across. Brilliant fall color glows scarlet, orange and yellow. Zone 3-9
Acer rubrum 'Franksred' ('Red Sunset' red maple)
Glossy green leaves turn brilliant red in fall. Adaptable to most soils, and excellent for street planting. Pyramidal to round form, matures 45-50' tall and 35-40' across. Zone 4-7
Acer rubrum 'Magnificent Magenta' ('Burgundy Belle' red maple)
Dark green summer foliage is glossy and heavily textured, making it more resistant to heat, drought and wind damage. Excellent burgundy-orange fall color, grows slightly smaller than other red maples to 45' high and 40' around. Oval to round form. Zone 4-8
Acer rubrum 'October Glory' ('October Glory' red maple)
Vigorous shade tree with intense fall foliage of scarlet and orange later than other red maples. Plant one of each to extend fall foliage color in the landscape. Grows 45-55' high with a spread of 35-45'. Zone 5-8
Acer saccharum 'Flax Mill' ('Majesty' sugar maple)
Fast growing trees with dark green foliage turning orange-red in fall. Oval form matures to 50-75' high and 40-50' across. Zone 4-7

Betula nigra (river birch)
Most commonly grown as a multi-stem specimen, single trunk forms are also available in limited quantity. Very fast growing, 6' tall trees can grow to triple that size in 5 years given enough water and decent soil. Wonderful cinnamon colored exfoliating bark gives this small tree winter value. We often plant them in groups of three, five or seven for a small forest look, uderplanted with grass or evergreen groundcover to set of trunks. Grows to 25' tall with a spread of 10-15'. Native from east coast to Kansas. Zone 4-8

Betula platyphylla 'Whitespire' (Japanese white birch)
Striking white exfoliating bark makes a wonderful architectural element in landscape design when used well with background color to highlight tree trunks. Fast growing and far more long-lived in our area than paperbark birch. Tolerant of poorly draining sites or drought. Grows to 25' tall with a spread of 10-15'. native to Japan and northern China. Zone 4-7

Betula platyphylla 'Trost's Dwarf' (weeping Japanese birch)
Finely dissected leaves creat an overall lacy effect on this small, weeping birch. Plant in partial shade as a focal point in the garden. Grows to 10' high with a spread of 5-8'. Can be trained with stakes to hold form when young. Zone 4-8

Betula purpurea 'Crimson Frost' (purple leaf river birch)
White, exfoliating bark makes a wonderful contrast to deep purple foliage! Very unusual and beautiful purple leaf tree, growing faster than other shade trees and making a striking display throughout the summer and winter seasons. Grows 20-25' high with a spread of 15-20'. Zone 5

Carpinus betula 'Frans Fontaine' (columnar European hornbeam)
This columnar hornbeam has branches growing in an upright, tightly pyramidal habit. Steel gray bark and deep green foliage give this highly adaptable tree value in the landscape. Throw any soil, temperature and light conditions at this tree and watch it grow! Matures to a hieght of 30-40', with a spread of 20'. Native to Europe and Asia Minor. Zone 4-7

Carpinus coreana (Korean hornbeam)
Rare and hard to find, this small specimen tree is covered with tiny leaves that provide wonderful fall color. An excellent bonsai specimen. Zone 5
Carpinus fargesii (hornbeam)
New foliage emerges maroon, changing to green for the summer and finally a fall mix of yellows, reds and oranges. Native to China, this small shade tree is quite hardy and trouble free. Grows 20-30' high with a spread of 20-25'. Zone 5
Carya illinoiensis (pecan)
This massive shade tree is the pecan producer of the industry in the U.S. Lustrous, dark green foliage does not provide much fall color, but the nuts more than make up for this shortcoming. Best growth occurs in moist, well drained soil. It is native from Indiana and Iowa to Texas and Mexico. Grows 70-100' high with a sprad of 40-75'. Zone 5-9
Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmaron' (green ash)
50-60' high shade tree is highly adaptable, slow growing and turns the most spectacular shades of yellow, orange and purple in fall. Zone 3
Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Patmore' (green ash)
Erect in habit, this cultivar has glossy green leaves, is extremely hardy and thrives in a wide range of growing conditions. Zone 3
Fraxinus pennsylvanica lanceolata (Marshall's seedless ash)
Dark, glossy green foliage and a pyramidal growth form, this male clone is a seedless tree. Zone 3
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Shademaster' (honeylocust)
A thornless variety of an American native, this tree offers all the benefits of the hardy and decorative locust, without the thorny hazards. Common honeylocust is native to the eastern half of the US. Zone 4
Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' (honeylocust)
Patented in 1954, this thornless variety is a slow grower with a bright golden appearance. The young leaves are a golden yellow color when they first emerge, giving the tree its unusual coloring effect. Zone 4
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum)
An excellent ornamental tree with finely shaped leaves, lovely overall symmetrical form and outstanding fall color, this tree is an excellent choice for the landscape. Beware of the seed, encapsulated in spiny balls that fall to the ground each fall. Planted away from traffic areas, it performs well in dry soils as well as moist soils. Prefers low pH. Native to the eastern half of the US and south, then west to Mexico. Zone 5
Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree)
This native has a unique leaf shape. Shortly after leafing out, tulip shaped flowers of yellow, orange and green appear. Golden yellow fall foliage. A moderately fast-growing tree, it is highly adaptable to different soils and conditions. Cone-like fruit is present into winter, providing interest and wildlife food. Grows 60-80' high with a spread of 35-45'. Native to the eastern half of the US. Zone 4

Magnolia virginiana 'Sweet Bay'
Very fragrant, creamy-white flowers in May and June over large, glossy, dark green leaves that resemble a rubber tree plant. Native to the eastern coast of the US and west to Texas, these Magnolias bloom slightly later than saucer magnolias that suffer from late frosts in our area. Trees grow 15-20' high and wide. Zone 5
Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dwan redwood)
Pyramidal in habit throughout its life, these trees have similar characteristics to bald cypress. Reddish-brown bark becomes darker and buttressed with age. Grows in wet or dry soils, although in youth it will require some care before it can be left on its own in drought. Fast-growing to 70-100' high and 25' wide. Native to China. Zone 5
Nyssa sylvatica (black gum, tupelo)
The earliest to turn in fall, it shimmers yellow, orange and scarlet red in full color. A pyramidal tree that can become more rounded at maturity. Dark grey bark is thickloy ridged, and summer foliage is deep glossy green. Highly adaptable, but prefers moist, acid soils. It can also tolerate poorly drained soils. Grows 30-50' high and 20-30' across. Native from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. Zone 4
Platanus x acerifolia (London plane tree)
Widely used in cities because of it's tolerance to harsh conditions. Similar looking to the native Platanus occidentalis, but slightly smaller growing. Zone 4
Platanus occidentalis (sycamore)
Also called London Plane Tree, this grand native has leaves as big as platters, and beautiful exfoliating bark. Prefers moist soils, and grows well in poorly drained sites. Grows 75-100 high with a spread of 60-80' or more. Native to the eastern half of the US. Zone 4
Populus deltoides 'Souixland' (cottonless cottonwood)
A cottonless male clone of the native cottonwood tree. These fast growing trees have delicate leaves that look and sound wonderful in the breeze. An excellent choice for areas with poor drainage. Native cottonwoods are widespread especially along creeks and waterways from Canada south to Texas. Zone 2
Populus deltoides (cottonwood)
This native tree provides food for wildlife, and is a fast growing shade tree. Leaves that look and sound wonderful in the breeze. An excellent choice for areas with poor drainage. Native cottonwoods are widespread especially along creeks and waterways from Canada south to Texas. Zone 2
Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak)
Lustrous dark green leaves turn yellow-brown and sometimes russet-red in fall. An excellent choice for poorly draining sites. Grows 50-60' high and wide. Native from Canada south to Arkansas. Zone 3
Salix albatristis 'Niobe' (weeping willow)
Standard weeping form with delicate leaves, this specimen can reach shade tree dimensions. Does best near water, but will tolerate dry soil. Grows 50-70' high and wide. A great fort for kids! Native to southern Europe, western Siberia, central Asia and China. Zone 4
Taxodium distichum (bald cypress)
This tree is a deciduous conifer. It's finely textured foliage, stately size and overall adaptability make this a fine focal point for any landscape. Similar looking to dawn redwood (Metasequoia), these trees grow 50-70' high and 20-30' wide. In boggy sites, trees through up woody "knees" to breath, like a snorkel! Will also tolerate drier sites. Native to the eastern half of the US. Zone 4