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 - August 02, 2011
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Water Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Erosion Control, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Looking for grasses for slope around retention pond in Florida
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in St. Petersburg, FL on a large retention pond. Most of my neighbors on the pond have seawalls. I do not nor do my neighbors to my left and right. I am interested in colorful grasses to put on my very steep 75 foot bank which is high on one end and low on another end that curves. I would like to plant grasses that would attract wildlife such as butterflies and songbirds hopefully.. (We have several kinds of fish, water birds, turtles, snakes (yuk), otters, and once in a while a random alligator.) I have put several types of reeds, water lillies that are native, canna, (into the low water area itself). But from reading your responses grasses are the way to go. Would greatly benefit from your input. I neglected to mention we have had awful freezes the last 3 years.ANSWER:
With the plants you have already installed, it sounds as if you are well on your way to controlling erosion on your slope and furnishing food for butterflies and songbirds. The grasses will be an ideal addition since they are very effective in stabilizing slopes since their fibrous root systems hold the soil in place so well. The Grass Family is an essential larval host for most banded skippers and most of the satyrs as well as other butterflies and moths. They also provide seeds for many species of birds. You don't say how far from the coast you are, but most of the grasses below are at least moderately resistant to salt winds. All of these grasses are found in Pinellas county and many of these grasses were found on the Florida Native Plant Society's page, Natives to Grow in Pinellas County. You can find other grasses and other plants on that page that are suitable for landscaping in Pinellas County. You can search our National Suppliers Directory to find nurseries and seed companies specializing in native plants in your area.
Eragrostis elliottii (field lovegrass)
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf muhly) and here are more photos and information. This grass has a beautiful purple inflorescence.
Paspalum vaginatum (seashore paspalum)
Spartina patens (Marsh-hay cord grass) and here are photos and more information. Birds use the seeds.
Spartina alterniflora (Saltmarsh cordgrass) and here are more photos and information. This grass is a host for Automensis louisiana (Louisiana eyed silkmoth) and Poanes aaroni (Aaron's skipper).
Spartina bakeri (sand cordgrass)
Uniola paniculata (Sea oats) and here are more photos and information.
Spartina spartinae (Gulf cordgrass)
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) and here are photos and more information. This grass is a host for Anatrytone logan (Delaware skipper) and Hesperia attalus (dotted skipper).
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Need to stabilize a south facing slope in Henderson, NC
April 30, 2010 - Hi, I have a south facing slope that is heavy clay with rock under it. It gets a lot of sun. I have planted a few bushes and some ground cover, but with all the snow and rain we had this past winter, ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for wall behind pool in Huntingdon Beach California
May 11, 2009 - I have a backyard pool and I just removed a messy ivy hedge that grew along the back block wall. The plant was shedding too much leaves. I would like the new plant to hide the fence and grow close en...
view the full question and answer
Suggestions for Texas native plants for memorial
June 30, 2005 - A dear friend of ours has passed and we would like some ideas of a native Texas plant we could plant in memory of her. It will be grown in the hill region near Houston. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Non-allergenic landscape in Fairfield, CT
April 18, 2009 - I live in Fairfield, CT and need to have a non-allergenic landscape. Can you please list plants, ground covers, and trees/shrubs that would be beautiful, and help in this critical situation? The lan...
view the full question and answer
Native lawn grass for Seabrook TX
March 12, 2013 - We want to seed our lawn in Seabrook, Tx.77586 with a Natural Grass replacing our St. Augustine Grass. I think there is one that is drought resistant (only water it twice a month.) and that does not g...
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. |
Bibliography
Common Grasses of Florida and the Southeast (1996) Yarlett, LewisSearch More Titles in Bibliography
