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 - October 20, 2004
From: Radnor, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Erosion Control, Groundcovers
Title: Low maintenance, native plants for sloping drive near Philadelphia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My cabin is located in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia. I am looking for low maintenance plants that would look good on the sides of a driveway that slopes upward. This is a potential project for my boy scout troop.ANSWER:
Since you are in Pennsylvania, the best solution for you probably is to talk with someone in your area about what specific plants would be appropriate for your project. You might begin by contacting someone in the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society. I found information and lists of native plants for Maryland for wildlife habitat and conservation. Those plants listed for the Piedmont plateau region of Maryland should be relevant for the location of your cabin. The plant lists break them down into groundcover, grasses, herbaceous, shrubs, etc. The lists give information about the requirements for soil moisture, sunlight, size, flower color, and bloom period. There are sample plants lists for different conditions such as wet sites, shade, dry sun, etc. Pictures and information for many of the plants listed can be seen on the Wildflower Center web page. You can also find a list of suppliers (nurseries or seed companies) by visiting our useful resource.
More Erosion Control Questions
Erosion Control for a Shaded Slope in Aliquippa PA
May 07, 2014 - What plants. shrubs or trees can I plant to retard soil erosion on a steep shaded hillside in PA
view the full question and answer
Plants for erosion control along creek in South Carolina
October 26, 2010 - We have a creek that runs thru our property and it is eroding our rip rap. The creek runs head on into an embankment which is causing the worse issue. Is there anything we can plant to help stop the e...
view the full question and answer
Plants with color for steep slope in Calera, Alabama
March 26, 2010 - I have a large steep slope in my back yard that the developer called a privacy break. It has poor soil and gets full sun. I have planted muhly and maiden grasses but would like some color. The slope ...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control for edge of artificial lake in California
August 14, 2013 - How about erosion control at the edge of an artificial lake in Southern California? Juncus and ..?
view the full question and answer
Native grasses for erosion control
October 20, 2008 - I have moved into a home that had vinca covering the front yard which slopes to the sidewalk (18'x15'). I have removed 3/4 of the vinca by the roots and have placed several gulf coast muhly across ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |