| Feature | Marshes | Swamps |
| Landform | A marsh is typically a transitional area between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems | A swamp is typically a wetland ecosystem |
| Distribution | Widespread | Restricted |
| Location | Marshes are found near the fringes of lakes and streams | Swamps are found along large rivers and lake shores |
| Hydrology | Seasonal to permanent flooding | Prolonged saturation and flooding |
| Area covered with water | Smaller | Bigger |
| Water depth | Shallower | Deeper |
| Dominant vegetation | Low proportion of trees; dominated by low lying herbaceous (non-woody) plants like reeds and grasses | High proportion of trees; dominated by high lying woody plants like trees |