Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Monday - May 25, 2009
From: Union, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for wet area in Missouri
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello, I live in Missouri and our neighborhood is built over a natural spring. Half of my yard remains wet/moist for weeks to months and we can't mow it. I'm looking for a ground cover and plants that will be able to survive, take over the grass that is there, and be attractive. The area is mostly shaded with some areas without trees. I'd something low maintenance. Thanks!ANSWER:
This sounds like a great place for ferns. Here are some possibilities:FERNS
Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern)
Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern)
You can add some other plants to the fern mix in the form of:
PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS PLANTS
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)
Caltha palustris (yellow marsh marigold)
Impatiens capensis (jewelweed)
Iris brevicaulis (zigzag iris)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
Monarda didyma (scarlet beebalm)
Vernonia fasciculata (prairie ironweed)
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