Wetland Indicator Status is a measure of the likelihood that a plant species would be found naturally occurring in a wetland environment. Status may vary across regions, our information is for the Midwest and Eastern Mountains & Piedmont regions.
Obligate Wetland - OBL -
Almost always found in a wetland, or sometimes an area with seasonal flooding. In the landscape, plants with OBL status generally do not tolerate drying out and must be thoughtfully placed. Special care may be needed if conditions are not optimal.
Facultative Wetland - FACW -
Usually is found in wetlands, but occasionally found in a non-wetland, plants with FACW status may benefit from seasonal flooding or the extra water collection of low spots in the landscape. They may not tolerate prolonged periods of drought without supplemental watering.
Facultative - FAC -
Equally likely to be found in wetlands or non-wetlands, plants with FAC status have been shown to occur and thrive in highly varied conditions. They should not require any special considerations for water beyond establishment.
Facultative Upland - FACU -
Usually occurring in non-wetlands, though rarely found in wetlands, plants with the FACU status mostly prefer to dry out completely after watering and may not tolerate poorly drained sites or persistently wet roots.
Upland - UPL -
Rarely found in a wetland and almost always on an upland site, plants with the UPL status like it high and dry. They will usually tolerate prolonged drought after they are well established and can be a great choice for low maintenance landscapes.
WIS Unclassified - WIS Unclassified -
Not all plants have been given an official Wetland Indicator Status designation by the USDA or Army Corps of Engineers, so refer to their individual descriptions for their water needs in the landscape.
