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.

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Thursday - September 10, 2015

From: Arlington, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Native turf grass for Arlington, VA.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Hi, could you please provide me with a recommendation for a native turf grass to plant in a large commercial area in Arlington, Virginia. Currently Kentucky 31 is being used, but we would like to identify a hardy native alternative or a native mix to plant instead in the future in order to minimize the need for fertilization and irrigation.

ANSWER:

We do not know of a grass species native to your area that can be used as a turf grass. The most widely grown North American native grass that is used in lawns is Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) and it is sometimes used in Virginia. However, your state is far outside its native range and we cannot recommend it for use there.