Native Plants
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A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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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.
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Wednesday - May 20, 2009
From: Benicia, CA
Region: California
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Native woodland plants for Benicia, California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am planting in raised beds around redwood trees, Japanese maples and rhododendrons in my backyard. I would like suggestions for native woodland plants to accompany my established plants. The area is quite shady and the soil is rich. Thank youANSWER:
On our Recommended Species page choose Northern California from the map or the pulldown menu for a list of commercially available landscaping plants for the area. Here are a few suggestions from that list that grow well in shade (less than 2 hours of sun per day):
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)
Aquilegia formosa (western columbine)
Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan)
Solidago altissima (late goldenrod)
Here are a couple of plants that aren't on that list but are native to Solano County and available at Bay Natives, one of our Associate Suppliers in your area:
Adiantum aleuticum (Aleutian maidenhair fern)
Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel's spear) and more information and photos
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
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June 20, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
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