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 - May 20, 2015
From: Kansas City, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for shady slope in clay soil
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need to stop erosion on a very shady, sloping side of my house. It is cly soil. We drive our rider mower over it to get to the grassy area in our yard. What perennial ground over might work? ThanksANSWER:
The following plants are native to Jackson County, Missouri and will grow in full shade. They would all make very nice groundcovers; however, I doubt that any of them will stand up well to being driven over by your riding mower. The most likely to survive such treatment are the two sedges. You might consider making a gravel or mulched path for access for your mower to your grassy area and planting a groundcover (or mixture of groundcover plants) bordering the path.
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge)
Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge)
Asarum canadense (Canadian wild ginger)
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Plants for under Oak Trees in LA.
March 05, 2013 - What type of plants and grass can be planted under and around oak trees
view the full question and answer
O.K. to grow grass under a live oak?
November 26, 2014 - Is it a bad idea to plant grass around a mature live oak? We have erosion issues and trying to keep mulch in the beds around the tree groves is a challenge, even with edging. Much of the native dirt...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin
May 02, 2007 - I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these condi...
view the full question and answer
Flowering groundcover for Indiana
May 25, 2009 - I live in southern Indiana and am looking for a nice flowering groundcover that will overcome the grass. It is on a hill that is very hard to mow.
view the full question and answer
Alternatives to invasive, non-native Vinca minor as ground cover
April 05, 2007 - I live in Central Austin. I want to plant a large area of Vinca minor since it is fast growing and offers attractive ground cover. I assume it requires little care with the rain being sufficient for i...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |