Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - June 01, 2011
From: Laytonsville, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Shrubs, Trees
Title: Plants to filter dust from a road in MD
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I live in MD next to a dirt/gravel access road. I would like to plant something along my property line to block the clouds of dust we regularly get from cars and dirt bikes. Is there something fast growing and low maintenance that I can plant there? Thank you.ANSWER:
The fastest growing and lowest maintenance plants are without question, large deciduous shrubs or small multistemmed trees. They can take the abuse they receive next to a dirt road, put on a fresh coat of leaves every spring and have flowers and fruit to attract birds (and humans).
To begin the plant selection process you can search our Native Plant Database. Do a Combination Search for Maryland, selecting: shrubs or trees/your conditions and size (6-12 feet or larger). It will generate a list with links to detailed plant information pages.
Here are some small trees to consider:
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny service-berry)
Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud)
Cornus drummondii (Roughleaf dogwood)
and some large shrubs:
Calycanthus floridus (Eastern sweetshrub)
Clethra alnifolia (Coastal sweet pepperbush)
Physocarpus opulifolius (Atlantic ninebark)
Viburnum dentatum (Southern arrowwood)
Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American cranberry bush)
Using a combination of these plants you could have a "hedgerow" with flowers in spring and summer, fall colour, summer fragrance and the wildlife benefits of cover and food. Plus it would meet the practical requirements of your situation.
More Shrubs Questions
Large shrub or tree for front door in Houston
January 16, 2013 - I am in search of a shrub or tree to plant next to my front door. I want a showy medium sized shrub or tree (8 to 12 ft), decorative, and a privacy screen since my front door faces my next door neig...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Silverado Sage from Temple TX
September 24, 2012 - Hello,
I've got some mature Silverado Sage. Can they be successfully transplanted or do I need to buy new plants for the next residence? I have them planted in a raised bed. I realize that IF it is ...
view the full question and answer
Failure of highbush blueberry plant to produce in New Hampshire
July 25, 2008 - One of my highbush blueberry plants completely stopped producing. What can I do to revive it?
view the full question and answer
Plants for red clay in Hattiesburg, MS
May 16, 2011 - Looking for plants and flowers to plant in red clay?
view the full question and answer
Bumelia sending up shoots in Austin
November 28, 2010 - I have a bumelia that is sending up shooters everywhere in my yard. Everywhere!! I started to dig them up, but many come from deep roots and my digging seems to have encouraged the tree to send up m...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |