Native Plants

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Monday - September 21, 2009

From: Chevy Chase, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for Maryland to replace English ivy
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What is a suitable ground cover native replacement for english ivy? Native to Maryland.

ANSWER:

Hooray for you for replacing your English ivy (Hedera helix)! Here are several possible alternatives. Since I don't know your growing conditions (e.g., available sunlight, moisture, etc.) you will need to read the "Growing Conditions" for each plant to be sure that they match your site.

Shrubs:

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick) evergreen

Empetrum nigrum (black crowberry) evergreen

Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood)

Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) evergreen

Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry) evergreen

Perennial herbs:

Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger)

Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) evergreen

Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny-spurge) semi-evergreen

Chrysogonum virginianum (green and gold) semi-evergreen

Ferns: