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 - April 29, 2009
From: Nash, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Native grasses for chain link fenceline in Nash, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have chain link fence all the way around my yard and I am getting tired of having to weed eat along the fence line. I am looking for some type of year round decorative plant or grass (preferably one that grows to two feet tall or less) that I can plant along the fence to eliminate having to weed eat and will look good too. Any suggestions?ANSWER:
Absolutely! That is a very good idea. If you have a lawn, probably what you are having to trim is a non-native turf grass like St. Augustine or bermudagrass. We would much prefer the use of native grasses, many of which are attractive and hold their places year-round. You may still have to yank out the non-natives from time to time to keep them from messing with the natives, but the natives will be taller and should eventually shade out the turf grasses. You didn't say if you had sun, part shade or shade in the area you want to cover, but we will go to Recommended Species, select East Texas on the map, and find some lower native grasses that will thrive in Bowie County. You can follow the plant link to the webpage on each individual grass to read more about it, and for more information still go to the bottom of the webpage and click on the Google link to the plant. Some of these may be a little taller than 2 ft., but they can be trimmed back, and should be trimmed down to about 6 inches once a year, in early spring.
Grasses for Nash, Bowie County, TX
Andropogon virginicus (broomsedge bluestem) - perennial, 2 to 5 ft. tall, medium water use, part shade
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama) - perennial warm season grass, 2 to 3 ft. tall, medium water use, sun, part shade
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats) - perennial, 2 to 4 ft. tall, medium water use, part shade, shade
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) - perennial, 18 to 24 inches tall, low water use, sun, part shade
Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass) - perennial, 2 to 3 ft. tall, high water use, part shade
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Grasses for sloped clay hillside in Ohio
October 16, 2008 - I have built a new home located on a hillside, our soil has a tremendous amount of clay in it. We have a sloped hillside that flows within 25 feet to the back door. The area is wooded and therefore ...
view the full question and answer
O.K. to grow grass under a live oak?
November 26, 2014 - Is it a bad idea to plant grass around a mature live oak? We have erosion issues and trying to keep mulch in the beds around the tree groves is a challenge, even with edging. Much of the native dirt...
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
Narrow strip of groundcover from Sonora TX
April 29, 2013 - I have an area that is right under my patio about 12 feet by 1 ft. I'm looking for something to plant in there. It has afternoon sun, morning shade. I live in SW Texas so it is hot. but would like so...
view the full question and answer
Plants for streambank area in Oregon
September 14, 2012 - I am ready to replant a streambank area with native plants..what do you recommend for the Willamette Valley in Oregon? Thanks much!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |