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

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 inchesANSWER:
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
More Groundcovers Questions
Planting Garry Oak in Kinnikinnick in WA
May 09, 2015 - I want to plant a Garry Oak tree in my backyard in an area currently covered in kinnikinnick planted by the previous homeowner. The kinnikinnick covers a large area - about 10 feet in diameter. Even...
view the full question and answer
Poolside Groundcover Suggestions for Florida
July 18, 2013 - I live in Milton, FL near Pensacola. We just had a pool installed and now want to put groundcover around the perimeter. It will be an area about 70 feet long and 10 feet deep. It will be full sun. We ...
view the full question and answer
Competition between Horseherb and Chickweed
July 04, 2014 - Ok, sorry I did it wrong the 1st time!? I live in Houston, and I have chickens! I also have mass amounts of Horseherb, and I want to buy some chickweed seeds and plant it for my chickens! My question ...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for heavy dog traffic in Huntsville TX
July 23, 2010 - We have recently moved to Huntsville, TX where our backyard is very shady and has only a small patch of St. Augustine grass and the rest is a dry, sand-like soil. We also have 2 Great Danes and 2 Pugs...
view the full question and answer
Silver ponyfoot becoming invasive in College Station TX
May 08, 2013 - How can I control or get rid of an established Dichondra groundcover? I bought a few plants of D. argentea from your sale a few years ago, and in that time they've done really well in the area I plan...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |