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 - September 02, 2008
From: Diamond, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Low ground cover for steep bank in Ohio
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
We have a 3/4 acre pond that has several places along the bank too steep to mow. We would like to plant some type of ground cover in those areas that would keep the weeds out. The planting would need to be low-growing. We don't want anything that would be invasive and grow into the water. The areas get half and half sun/shade. We've looked at some grasses, but they grow very tall. We would appreciate your help.ANSWER:
We think the best choice for the tough location you've described may be one or more species of sedge (Carex spp.). Any number of species are native to Ohio and many stay relatively short. However, Because you likely have wet areas and dry areas, shady areas and sunny areas, it would be a trial-and-error process to find which species would work best. Once established, sedges usually need very little to no maintenance.
More Groundcovers Questions
Low growing groundcovers for pond banks in Brookville PA
July 30, 2010 - What are some good low growing ground cover plants for pond banks? Zone 5, mostly sun, preferably something I could start from seed? Hopefully low maintenance & non-evergreen. Perennial & hardy pre...
view the full question and answer
Low maintenance, shade tolerant groundcover for Pacific Northwest
August 09, 2012 - What's a good low maintenance, shade tolerant ground cover for the Pacific Northwest? It needs to have good erosion control, too.
view the full question and answer
Fast Growing Ground Cover for Sun in San Antonio
April 02, 2012 - What is the fastest growing ground cover for San Antonio Texas (predominantly sunny)?
view the full question and answer
Groundcover and Butterfly attractants for LaRue Texas
May 02, 2012 - LaRue, TX - Would like a native low growing plant as a groundcover. I would like it for six+ hours of sun, drought tolerant, and ones that butterflies might enjoy, while deer won't. Some winter int...
view the full question and answer
Fast growing groundcover for New York
September 02, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I love your site! But I can't quite find this answer: can you recommend a fast-growing groundcover native to southern NY State (Dutchess County) that I can plant NOW (Augus...
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. |
