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Tuesday - May 24, 2016

From: Apple Valley, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for sunny slope in Minnesota
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Hi, I'm from Apple Valley, MN. We backyard has large slope areas that get sun through out the day. We have huge weed and buck thorn problem. Can you please suggest a good ground covering plant that grows not more than 4/5 inches

ANSWER:

Here are plants native to Minnesota that could serve as ground covers.  All of them will grow in the sun, but may do better in part shade.  Please read the Growing Conditions on each species page to learn more about whether they would be suitable for your site.

Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood)  Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.

Phlox subulata (Creeping phlox)  Here are photos and more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.

Rubus pubescens (Dwarf red blackberry)  Here are photos and more information from Northern Ontario Plant Database.

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Shrubby five-fingers) Here are photos and more information from Minnesota Wildflowers.

Verbena bracteata (Bigbract verbena)  Here are photos and more information from Illinois Wildflowers.

Viola labradorica (Alpine violet)  Here are photos and more information from Plants for a Future.

Viola sororia (Missouri violet)  Here are photos and more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.

Viola pedatifida [syn.=Viola palmata var. pedatifida](Prairie violet) Here are photos and more informatation from Minnesota Wildflowers and Illinois Wildflowers.

Woodsia ilvensis (Rusty cliff fern) Here are photos and more information from New England Wildflower Society.

Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge)  Here are photos and more information from The Friends of the Wild Flower Garden.

 

From the Image Gallery


Bunchberry dogwood
Cornus canadensis

Creeping phlox
Phlox subulata

Dwarf red blackberry
Rubus pubescens

Shrubby five-fingers
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata

Bigbract verbena
Verbena bracteata

Alpine violet
Viola labradorica

Missouri violet
Viola sororia

Prairie violet
Viola pedatifida

Eastern woodland sedge
Carex blanda

More Groundcovers Questions

Planting creeping phlox for a groundcover
June 13, 2014 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in Southwestern PA (zip code 15065). I have a small slope on my property that is hard for me to mow. I would like to cover it with creeping phlox, which I saw on t...
view the full question and answer

Native ground cover for Houston
March 02, 2009 - I'm interested in finding native ground cover, either perennials or grasses, that would help control erosion on a steep slope along Soldiers Creek. Currently there is Jasmine, ivy, prairie spiderwort...
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Drought tolerant plants for IN
August 23, 2011 - What are some plants that would do well in an east facing area near my front door? I live in Indianapolis IN. I need something that is drought resistant and will fill in a 4x3 foot walled off area th...
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Recovering neglected garden space from Grapevine TX
March 22, 2014 - I live in Grapevine TX (Dallas). I just moved into a house where almost the entire large backyard is covered by oak trees that shed tons of leaves throughout our mild falls/winters. The yard has not...
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Shady Groundcovers for NC
April 23, 2015 - I have a side yard that gets very little sun during the day and have tried St. Augustine grass unsuccessfully. Can you recommend a groundcover? We live close to the coast in Southeastern N. Carolina...
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