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
Sunday - March 07, 2010
From: Lakeway, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Plants for a dry hillside in central Texas
Answered by: Janice Kvale
QUESTION:
We need to plant some plants or grasses on a 3/4 acre sloaping hillside which does not get watered. Any recommendations for native grasses or plants which don't need care and will keep the lot from eroding.ANSWER:
Grasses and sedges form thick, fibrous root systems that hold soil in place, perfect for a hilly location.These are the plants you want to consider. There are so many possibilities. I will mention a few but you may want to explore our Plant Database yourself. Go to the Combination Search and indicate location, type of plant (grasses), duration (perennial), moisture (dry), and light requirement. You may prefer tall or short grasses or a particular appearance or coloration. This will give you an opportunity to look the possibilities over.
To find seeds or plants for your hillside, check out our Suppliers list for your area. You are close enough to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center to consider attending our plant sale in April. Seeds for most of these grasses will be available there also.
You don't mention the amount of sunlight your area gets so I am going to assume from your location that it is full sun (6 or more hours sunlight a day). The following suggestions will tolerate dry soil and full sun. Thank you for being a Mr. Smarty Plants follower!
Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass)
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama) - the state grass of TX
Muhlenbergia emersleyi (bullgrass)
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer's muhly)
Nassella tenuissima (finestem needlegrass)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Clearing up the nativity of so-called Baltimore sedge (Carex senta)
November 12, 2009 - Dear Smarty Pants: Hi, did you ever get more clarity on the Carex senta issue (baltimore sedge)? Whether or not it was a wetland grass? I too am in Maryland and was thinking of planting it for a law...
view the full question and answer
Invasive phragmites from New Egypt NJ
July 30, 2011 - I have some wetland near a road. It has been taken over by phragmites. How is the best way to remove these grasses and add some diversity to this area. The area in question is approx. 100 by 30 feet.
view the full question and answer
Low maintenance native plants for sun in Dallas
March 22, 2004 - What low maintenance ground cover would you recommend for a sunny backyard in Dallas?
view the full question and answer
Lawn fertilizer in Austin
February 23, 2012 - My lawn person wants to spread granulated spring fertilizer on my lawn. Problem is I have a very old Live Oak tree that I do not want to kill.
What should I avoid spreading on my lawn to prevent t...
view the full question and answer
Best time to plant Habiturf in Austin
February 20, 2012 - When is the best time to plant Habiturf seeds?
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. |
