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 - July 02, 2014
From: Albany, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant
Title: Groundcover for part shade in Albany NY
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello! I'm looking for: a native ground cover, mostly shade with only some morning sun, on a slope, edible is preferred but not necessity, mostly clay type soil for the Albany, NY area. Thanks for your help!ANSWER:
The following are native plants that grow in Albany County, New York or an adjacent county and would make good groundcovers:
Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge) Here is more information from Evergreen Native Plant Database.
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry) is edible. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Lycopodium digitatum (Fan clubmoss) Here is more information from Plants of Southern New Jersey.
Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox) Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Potentilla simplex (Common cinquefoil) is edible. Here is more information from Alternative Nature Online Herbal.
Rubus pubescens (Dwarf red blackberry) is edible but needs moisture to grow well. Here is more information from Northern Ontario Plant Database.
Sedum ternatum (Woodland stonecrop) Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
From the Image Gallery
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Darkened leaves on blueberry bush
July 02, 2008 - I have a blueberry bush planted in a very large pot. It has been doing very well, producing berries and new growth.
All of a sudden the leaves have begun to turn dark.
I have it potted in good soil...
view the full question and answer
Flowering plants for shade in Ohio
June 15, 2008 - I am trying to find flowering plants I can grow in my perennial shade garden. So far I am having a difficult time except for hostas, nettle and myrtle.
I need help to get my miniature lilac to blo...
view the full question and answer
Tough grasses for shade
November 24, 2010 - What kind of grass/groundcover can I put in our backyard that is shady/dry and has 50 lb. high energy dog traffic? Was considering Horse Herb but not sure, as it sounds like you can't get rid of it,...
view the full question and answer
Drought & Deer Resistant Shrub for Shade in Medina, TX
June 14, 2013 - We are dedicated to native plants in Medina, but are desperate to find a drought and deer resistant shrub for shade. Would we be too far off base with an oleander bush? We know birds and most butterfl...
view the full question and answer
Understory Shrubs for Pennsylvania Clay
December 04, 2013 - I want to replace three non-native Euonymus alatus with native shrubs that will serve as host plants for butterfly/moth species and/or attract bumblebees and other native bees. The shrubs I have are ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |