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.
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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.
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Monday - October 06, 2008
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Grass for detention pond in Illinois
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, please advise regarding grass for bottom of detention pond. I have pond with drawdown time 4 days, what grass could survive being underwater 4 days, and not die? Thank you.ANSWER:
Here are a few grasses and grass-like plants that will grow in wet and drier soils and will withstand being in standing water for short periods:Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint) and more information
Carex vulpinoidea (fox sedge) and more information
Juncus torreyi (Torrey's rush) and more information
Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass) and more information
Spartina pectinata (prairie cordgrass) and more information
Equisetum hyemale (scouringrush horsetail) and more information
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