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
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 - September 03, 2008
From: Huntsville, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: TIF 419 Bermudagrass vs. Zoysia
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I'm currently faced with the decision to sod my yard with TIF 419 or Zoysia. Zoysia is double the price so my knee jerk reaction is to go with Bermuda. Proponents of Zoysia claim it requires less mowing then other grasses and will choke out weeds. Does TIFF 419 posses similar characteristics in regard to infrequent mowing and a reasonable ability to choke out weeds once established? Thanks for your time.ANSWER:
Sorry, you came to the wrong place to ask about that. Both grasses are non-native to North America. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center we specialize in the use and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which they are being grown, because they will need less water, fertilizer and maintenance. For possible alternatives, please see our How-To Articles on Using Native Plants and Native Lawns. If you decide to "go native" get back to us and we'll see what other help we can offer you.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Native grasses and turf grass for VA
February 08, 2012 - I recently moved to Blacksburg, Virginia. I am becoming involved with a church here that recently started a grounds committee. There is some discussion within the group of which varieties of native ...
view the full question and answer
Wind and erosion tolerant plants from Austin
August 05, 2013 - I recently cleared a fire break by removing cedar from around my home in West Austin. I'd like to plant the exposed NW facing slope with native shrubs and trees. Looking for selections that can wit...
view the full question and answer
Replacement for Kentucky grass in Colorado
July 02, 2012 - What kind of grass to replace "Kentucky grass"? It uses too much water. Need drought tolerant grass for the Rifle, Colorado area ("zip code is 81650"). Water bill is way too high, pushing over $10...
view the full question and answer
Pollinator friendly lawn for Longmont CO
July 06, 2015 - I have a sunny, treeless, South-facing yard, with a slight South-facing slope in Boulder County, CO. It has one patch of buffalo grass, but is more then half some other type of grass. I would like t...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants for Pittsburgh PA
January 30, 2012 - What shrubs can I plant on a wet slope that gets partial sun that will help control erosion? They need to be something the deer won't eat! We have lots of deer.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |