Objective  The plant resources and application status of wet ponds in Hangzhou were investigated and their suitability were evaluated, and suggestions for improving the application of plants in wet ponds in Hangzhou were put forward to provide references for the construction of wet ponds and sponge cities.

Method  The plant resources of 8 wet ponds in Hangzhou were investigated on the spot and an evaluation system of wet pond plant suitability was constructed from three aspects: growth suitability, aesthetic suitability and rainwater function suitability. The grade classification was determined based on the comprehensive evaluation score.

Result  There are 71 families, 129 genera, and 148 species of commonly used plants in the wet ponds of Hangzhou. Among them, there are many species of Rosaceae, Gramineae, and Compositae. The repetition rate of plant applications is high, mainly for foliage and flower viewing, the ratio of evergreen species to deciduous tree species is 1 ︰ 2. Plant suitability evaluation results show that there are 2 plots with grade Ⅰ (excellent), 5 with grade Ⅱ (good), and 1 with grade Ⅲ (normal), and the suitability of plants in Hangzhou wet ponds is generally at a good level. Among them, Donghu Road Citizen Park has the highest comprehensive evaluation score for wet pond plants, followed by Yangliu County West Park, and Guyuan Park has the lowest score. The three indicators of maintenance needs, growth conditions, and rainstorm runoff reduction have the greatest impacts on plant selection in wet ponds.

Conclusion  As an important terminal storage facility in the low-impact development system of sponge city, wet ponds have an important influence on the performance of rainwater functions. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the selection and application of wet pond plants in Hangzhou, and the research method can also provide references for plant selection and application in other low-impact development facilities.