Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - March 04, 2008
From: Cheboygan, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers, Ferns, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Vines
Title: Native plants for memorial garden in Michigan
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I want to start a memorial garden for my daughter. I live in northern Michigan and the area has very tall white pines we have pruned them up about 15' so the area does get partial sun. Which plants will grow under the pines. I would like some ground cover and vines to climb a wattle fence. Thank youANSWER:
There are lots of choices for groundcovers for Michigan that should do well in your daughter's memorial garden. Some of them will grow in partial shade, a few will grow in full shade, and others will grow in sun, partial shade and shade.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)
Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge)
Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood)
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry)
Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium)
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry)
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern)
Viola sororia (common blue violet)
Viola pedata (birdfoot violet)
Here are vines that are native to Michigan
Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet)
Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper)
Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (western blue virginsbower)
Clematis virginiana (devil's darning needles)
Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria)
You can also find an entire list of native species recommended for Michigan or you can make your own list by doing a "Combination Search" on the Native Plant Database.
More Vines Questions
Identification of vine in North Carolina
November 11, 2010 - How can I send a picture to you of a vine that I can't seem to identify?
view the full question and answer
Control of grapevines in trees
June 15, 2007 - Grapevines have overtaken some of the trees on our property in Central Texas. What is the best way to get rid of the grapevines and (hopefully) save the trees?
view the full question and answer
Should Ipomea alba be planted in a yard in Spring, TX?
April 23, 2012 - I would like to know if there is any reason not to plant Tropical Morning glory (Moon Flower-Ipomoea alba)in my yard. Is it toxic or aggressivley invasive? I am looking at a space in my side yard wi...
view the full question and answer
Identity of vine with green flowers
November 03, 2012 - What is this trailing plant with half inch green flowers with gold metallic centers? Looks like a milkweed plant or gourd plant of some kind. I found it off Hamilton Pool road. West of Austin TX
view the full question and answer
Texas natives for a small garden with red flowers
October 03, 2009 - I have a garden that is 4' deep, what can I put there that is a Texas native, I would really like some color (preferably red)also it needs to be able to grow tall (8 - 10')
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
