Sounds pretty severe. What is growing there now? Are there shrubs and trees (like willows) growing nearby that have not come up in this particular spot? If so, that may be a bad sign. There are different kinds of wet. Months of standing water may indicate a good place for excavating to make a pool or pond.

The NW native Pacific crabapple, Malus fusca, is good in wet soil. The fruit it produces would be more for wildlife, not people.

Pond not a good idea..elderly dacschunds who I just know will fall in (or throw themselves in) plus I don't want the upkeep. No other trees or shrubs around. Just that it's low lying and has been grassed for years.
Thanks for the crabapple idea. I'll look into that.

Is Nyssa Sinensis, Chinese tupelo too big?

I'm considering a Quince tree myself for my gets real wet in winter backyard. Fruit, inexpensive, doesn't get too big yet you can get one with some height to it already, can handle some moisture.

Oregon crabapple fruits have been a human food in this region for thousands of years. Being tiny and acidic they are not like orchard apples or plums. Occasional individuals do produce larger ones, maybe cherry sized but most seedlings would be expected to generate pellet-sized ones.

It also crosses spontaneously with orchard apple to produce Dawson crabapple, with fruits of intermediate size (and perhaps tartness).

The problem would be finding a supplier who had actually grafted a larger-fruited Oregon crabapple or a Dawson crabapple of decent eating quality and built up stock.

How about Betula nigra 'Fox Valley'? This for of river birch only goes 15' - 20' high.

There's a dwarf form of Bald Cypress 'Peve Minaret' that would probably work well if you can find it. Also a Serviceberry (Amelanchier) or Eldberberry (Sambucus) tend to grow alright in wet soils.

Thanks for everyone's ideas. Still not made up my mind but at least I have ideas to explore now. Much appreciated.