Native Plants
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Saturday - April 04, 2009
From: Albany, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Grasses for creek area near Abilene, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have constructed several low water crossings on a live creek in the Abilene,Texas area and need to find out the best grass to plant to hold secure the soil and keep down erosion. The creek does runs once a year or so. The areas I am trying to plant are about 70% sunlight and it is possible for me to water the seed until established.ANSWER:
Below are some native grasses that all occur in or near Taylor County that should be be ideal for application to your low water crossings.Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass)
Setaria leucopila (streambed bristlegrass) with more information
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush) is not technically a grass (it is a rush), but it should be very good for areas that stay moist most of the year.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Growing native grasses in containeers in Illinois
May 16, 2007 - Hi.
How well would native grasses grow in container gardens in Illinois? What soil would you suggest?
Thanks.
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Why are there no low-mow lawn grasses composed of only native fescues?
September 09, 2014 - Dear SP, Most blends of ecograss I see are a combination of non-native and native fescues (and sometimes buffalo grass, blue grama, etc.). Why are there (apparently) none that are composed entirely of...
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Shorter drought-tolerant grasses
August 31, 2007 - We live on 1 1/2 acres near Dripping Springs. We have a variety of grasses, mostly tall, on the back and side of the property. Is there some type of drought tolerant shorter grass or wildflowers or gr...
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Plants for a creek bank in Northern Illinois
March 26, 2009 - Hello.
I live in Northern Illinois. The creek (northern exposure in a wooded area) on the back of my property has bare muddy banks and is subject to seasonal floods. I want to plant something hardy t...
view the full question and answer
Groups promoting Edible Grasses
June 08, 2011 - Is there a group of people who want to study and grow
edible grasses?
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
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