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nz native wetland plants

New Zealand’s diverse wetlands are home to a remarkable range of unique and hardy plants, perfectly adapted to moist soils, fluctuating water levels, and varying sunlight conditions. If you’re restoring a wetland, landscaping around a pond, or battling erosion on a stream bank, selecting the right nz native wetland plants makes all the difference. These species not only support local biodiversity but also help filter water, provide habitat for wildlife, and add beauty to your outdoor spaces. From grasses with intricate root systems to shrubs that thrive in muddy soils, our nursery offers a curated selection ready for your next project.

Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig Rush) with upright, green foliage, growing in water.

Baumea articulata

5 from 2 customers

Baumea articulata, commonly known as the Jointed Twig Rush, is an attractive, NZ native grass grown for its aesthetics and ability to handle and colonise extremely wet soils. It forms a dense sward as it grows to 1.5 m tall, which provides an excellent habitat for frogs and water birds.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex virgata

5 from 3 customers

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms dense clumps of upright green foliage, making it excellent for stabilising soil and providing habitat for wildlife.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.49
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$12.95
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Leptospermum Nanum Ruru shrub with dark pink flowers.
Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru'

Leptospermum 'Nanum Ruru' is a compact NZ native shrub valued for its dense evergreen foliage, tidy rounded form, and masses of small flowers that...

From$27.53
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$17.95
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$11.95
leptospermum-wairere-
Leptospermum 'Wairere'

Leptospermum 'Wairere' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense foliage and masses of attractive flowers through spring and summer. This...

From$27.53
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$9.95
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
clianthus-kaka-king-
Clianthus Kaka King (Kaka King Clianthus)

Clianthus Kaka King, commonly known as The Red Kaka Beak, is a NZ native shrub that produces a flush of stunning, beak like flowers in summer. The...

From$116.12
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

From$11.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Baumea articulata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Baumea, Carex, and Cyperus, or related Categories - Grasses, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search nz native wetland plants

Why Choose NZ Native Wetland Plants?

Wetlands are a vital ecosystem in New Zealand, but they’ve been under threat from development and invasive species. Using nz native wetland plants is key to restoring these areas and maintaining ecological balance. These plants have evolved to tolerate wet conditions, periodic flooding, and even salty soils in coastal wetlands. Their extensive root systems stabilise banks, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by trapping silt and absorbing nutrients. Whether you’re starting a large-scale restoration or a small backyard pond, native wetland plants provide aesthetic appeal and critical environmental benefits.

Popular NZ Native Wetland Plant Choices

If you’re searching for dependable species, consider these well-loved options:

NZ Native Wetland Plant Uses

Native wetland plants are essential for creating healthy, sustainable landscapes in both rural and urban settings. Use them for:

By choosing nz native wetland plants, you not only help preserve New Zealand’s threatened ecosystems but also invest in the beauty and resilience of your property.

Planting and Maintenance Tips

When planting wetland areas, focus on layered combinations for maximum biodiversity and visual interest. Space grasses and rushes closely for rapid coverage, and mix with shrubs like Plagianthus divaricatus (Marsh Ribbonwood) or trees such as Laurelia novae-zelandiae where size allows. Initial watering and occasional weeding are typically required until the natives establish robust root systems. Once established, many nz native wetland plants thrive with little ongoing maintenance.

Ready to revitalise your wet areas? Explore our wide selection of quality nz native wetland plants for professional and DIY projects alike.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

It’s easy to pick Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Schefflera arboricola, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Leptinella dioica, Schefflera actinophylla, and Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise).
–The Plant Company

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