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
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.
Your county's Cooperative Extension Service office should have lots of great information on turf grasses and their care and maintenance for your area.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Need native plant to stabilize 45 degree slope in Houston, TX.
June 06, 2012 - Can you recommend a native TX plant to be used to stabilize a 45 degree slope in the Houston area? Durability, maintenance and appearance should be considered. Thank You.
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing vine for cinder block wall in Albuquerque
July 26, 2010 - I live in Albuquerque, N.M. and have a cement/cinder block wall and was wondering if there is a vine I can plant which will be easy to grow, grow fast and cover my wall without any type of help like a...
view the full question and answer
North Dakota Riverbank Stabilization
July 17, 2012 - Can you suggest plants to prevent and stabilize river bank erosion on Sheyenne River, ND?
Must be tolerant to cold, varying level of salts and sulfates and water level (from drought to flooding)
view the full question and answer
Making a pollinator garden
August 11, 2014 - Hello, I have a ditch right by my house and I want to turn it into a pollinator garden using native plants. My problem is, right now it's so full of weeds that we have to mow those down so soon. For ...
view the full question and answer
Grasses for Van Zandt County, Texas
December 13, 2008 - We have approx'ly 200 acres in Van Zandt County, Texas between Edom & Ben Wheeler of which approx'ly half is pasture land and has been used for hay for the past several years. We would have convert...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |