What Is It?
Wetland Indicator Status (WIS) is a national list measuring the likelihood that a plant species would be found naturally occurring in a wetland environment (meaning an area characterized by flooding or saturation of soil permanently or seasonally) versus an upland environment (an area that almost never experiences saturated soils). Status may vary across regions. Our information is for the Midwest and Eastern Mountains and Piedmont regions that cover the Ohio River watershed in Ohio.
How to Use It?
You can use WIS to help pick the right plants for the right places in your landscape. When creating a rain garden, for instance, you might place OBL and FACW choices in the lowest and wettest basin, and transition to using FAC plants along the upper rim where it will remain drier. If you’re adding plants to high spots on your property where water won’t be easily retained, consider using UPL and FACU plants there.
OBL - Obligate Wetland
Almost always found in a wetland. In the landscape, plants with OBL status generally do not tolerate drying out and must be thoughtfully placed. Special care may be needed if moisture conditions are not optimal.
FACW - Facultative Wetland
Usually 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.
FAC - Facultative
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 the establishment period.
FACU - Facultative Upland
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. UPL – Upland
UPL - Upland
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 their roots are well established and can be a great choice for low maintenance landscapes.
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.
