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
Sunday - April 28, 2013
From: Des Moines, IA
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers, Herbs/Forbs, Vines, Wildflowers
Title: Plants for a Steep, Sunny Slope in Iowa
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I am looking for plants native to Iowa for a steep, sunny slope or groundcover.ANSWER:
The first place to go to find a list of potential plants is our Native Plant Database. Use the Combination Search feature instead of Recommended Species. This will provide a bigger selection with much more choice to narrow down. The volunteers and staff at the Wildflower Center who maintain the database have partners in different regions to help with these recommended species lists based on what is easy to access in local nurseries.
Under Combination Search, select the following categories: Iowa, Habit – herb (for herbaceous), Duration – perennial, Light requirement – sun, Soil moisture – dry (because of the slope), Size characteristics – 0-1 ft. and 1-3 ft.
Some of the more drought and sun tolerant possibilities that could be used as steep slope plants include:
Achillea millefolium (common yarrow) 3 ft., white blooms in summer.
Anaphalis margaritacea (Western pearly everlasting) 1-3 ft., white blooms (good for drying).
Antennaria plantaginifolia (plaintain-leaf pussytoes) to 1 ft., white blooms in early summer.
Apocynum androsaemifolium (spreading dogbane) 2-5 ft. groundcover, small pink flowers in summer. Very aggressive.
Callirhoe invulucrata (winecup) sprawling up to 3 ft. wide, white, pink or purple blooms in late spring/early summer.
Oenothera speciosa (pink evening primrose) 1-2 ft., pinkish-white blooms in early summer. Each flower lasting one day. Goes dormant under severe drought.
Phlox pilosa (downy phlox) 1-2 ft. tall, pale pink to lavender flowers in late spring.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Something eating cannas in Austin
July 14, 2012 - What is eating my cannas?
view the full question and answer
Mildew on phlox paniculata from Morrisville PA
May 30, 2014 - My Phlox paniculata, all 7, have powdery mildew. I read about using NEEM to combat the mildew. NEEM is organic but the bottle says it is also an insecticide. The phlox are near my milkweed and gold...
view the full question and answer
Is Penstemon Poisonous to Dogs?
February 21, 2016 - Is Penstemon palmeri poisonous to dogs? I couldn't find in ASPA guide.
view the full question and answer
Roses or other flowering plants for Coleman, Texas
March 10, 2009 - I want to plant native roses at a country home in Coleman Co., southern exposure, with well water, drip system,but ,hot, dry & windy!
I know the Mutabilis does well in Austin, but, is it suitable for...
view the full question and answer
Different kinds of plants living in subarctic areas
March 10, 2008 - What are the different kinds of plants live in the subarctic areas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |