A damp or wet area is problematic in a chicken garden because chickens don’t do well with continual dampness, and it can create a large unwanted muddy area where nothing will grow. The following plants are good choices for damp areas:
Alder trees
Alnus. Deciduous trees. Zones vary by species. These nitrogen-fixing trees like ample water and can tolerate flooding. They can reach heights of 40 to 70 feet depending on variety.
Cyperus
Cyperus. Perennial. Zones vary by species. Graceful grass-like plants with striking form. Can be invasive.
Gunnera
Gunnera tinctoria. Perennials. Hardy to Zone 8, can be nurtured in Zones 6 and 7. Striking, colossal, stunning leaves.
Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale. Perennial. Zones 7–10. It is a very primitive, structure plant with 4′ upright slender hollow stems. It can be extremely invasive. Horsetail is mildly toxic to chickens.
Willow trees
Salix. Deciduous trees. Zones vary by species. Stunning, weeping trees that are fast-growing, yet can be weak-wooded and short lived. Thrive near water, but don’t plant near sewer lines.
