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

Monday - July 14, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Natural groundcovers beneath live oaks in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We are moving to a home in NW Austin set in a forest of live oaks (15 of them). What plants are the natural groundcovers? We want to replace the 'grass' completely. There is no sun so we don't believe we can use buffalo grass which would be our preference.ANSWER:
These groundcovers will spread in the dappled shade of live oaks. They are all perennials, but not all necessarily evergreen. In a mild Winter, they should remain at least partly green.
Hydrocotyle bonariensis (largeleaf pennywort)
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit)
Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy)
Dichondra argentea (silver ponysfoot)
More Groundcovers Questions
Native grasses for groundcover in Bossier, LA
February 18, 2009 - What kind of ground cover can I plant on a slope that gets full sun?
view the full question and answer
Does Calyptocarpus vialis (Horseherb) compete with turf grasses
October 05, 2015 - For my yard in central Austin
Does horse herb, Calyptocarpus vialis help or damage the growth of native short grasses? The grasses include Curly Mesquite and Blue Gamma planted early in the spring or...
view the full question and answer
Shrub or Vine for NH Slope
May 11, 2013 - I'm looking for a native plant/shrub/vine that can be used to control erosion on a relatively steep slope in New Hampshire. Do you know of any?
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant groundcovers for erosion control
September 26, 2012 - I need a ground cover (vine??) that will help me with erosion on a sloped front yard. It gets about 6-8 hours of sun and my main need is for something that the rats in our neighborhood will not destro...
view the full question and answer
Dense groundcover for full sun on the California coast.
November 08, 2011 - Can you recommend a very dense ground cover that serves as a lawn (in full sun on the coast, pref. drought resistant)?
Many thanks in advance.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |