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

Saturday - September 12, 2009
From: Newton, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Overseeding sprig planting of native grass in Kansas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Can I overseed a Sprig planting of native grass in Kansas in the Fall?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants doesn't see why not! Fall is ideal for planting grass seed because the cold winter weather helps insure germination. The tricky thing about overseeding is to insure that you have sufficient bare ground for the seeds to fall on. You obviously can't plow or easily use a seed drill to plant since the sprigs are growing there; so, you will have to rely on broadcasting the seeds and they must be in contact with bare ground for germination. You can read some tips on planting prairie grasses and wildflowers from the Missouri Department of Conservation.More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Plants for edge of pond
June 23, 2008 - We live in Atlanta, Texas. My husband built a beautiful pond that is almost an acre in size. We are fortunate in that one side of the pond is covered by trees and a natural ground cover that keeps w...
view the full question and answer
Is Milium effusum 'aureum' native to North America from Iowa City, IA
July 23, 2013 - I have seen the cultivar grass milium effusm aureum described as a native of both Europe and the N. America. Both continents HAVE a subspecies of m. effusum. Which is more accurate; is MEA a cultivar ...
view the full question and answer
How can I control Rescue Grass in my newly seeded prairie restoration?
March 25, 2009 - Hello,
This past fall I solarized the existing turfgrass in my front yard and seeded with the native tallgrass prairie grasses and wildflowers. My goal is to restore a small patch of tall grass pr...
view the full question and answer
Plants for steep slope in shade in Iowa
July 02, 2010 - I work for a small non-profit shelter here in Dubuque, Ia. that has a very steep slope behind the building that needs some sort of plant or grass planted to stop erosion. The slope gets little to no s...
view the full question and answer
Salt tolerant plants for shade on tidal inlet in NY
August 11, 2013 - Are there any salt water tolerant grasses or forbs with deep roots that grow in shade? I live on a tidal inlet/canal on Long Island NY. The southern bank has cedars and oaks but the soil is eroding ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |