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
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 - February 10, 2010
From: Center Point, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: When should I plant bermuda grass seeds?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
When should I plant bermuda grass seeds?ANSWER:
Never!
Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass) is an invasive species from Africa and soon takes over lawns, flower beds, etc., and is very difficult to eliminate once established. You can read the advice about its control from the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program. Instead of bermudagrass, why not consider the native lawn grass mixture that our researchers at the Wildflower Center have found to be the most effective. This mixture uses less water, requires little or no mowing, and is better at keeping out weeds than bermudagrass. The mixture consists of Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and Hilaria belangeri (curly-mesquite). Our How to Article: Native Lawns tells you how to prepare the soil, how to sow the seeds and how to maintain a native lawn. Two seed companies, Native American Seeds and King Seeds, have the seeds available. Native America Seeds also has an excellent article, Planting Tips for Native Grasses, to help you be successful in getting your lawn established.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Problem with Habiturf. Is it dormant or dead?
July 24, 2013 - We planted habiturf in spring 2012. It's beautiful. But since last summer, we have had one area that seems to go dormant much more rapidly than the rest, even though it receives the same amount of ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for bioswale in Tennessee
September 02, 2008 - What native plants do you recommend for a bioswale in Tennessee?
view the full question and answer
Retention ponds for states in southeast, from Greenville SC
July 14, 2012 - We provide maintenance for Stormwater detention ponds and are looking for native grasses to plant in the bottom and sides of typically dry detention basins. Prefer low growing grasses that spread to...
view the full question and answer
Cork Screw Rush doesn't spiral in Whitehall, PA.
April 29, 2016 - Why won't the stems on my cork screw rush plant twist and/or spiral? It's planted outside. It was twisting and spirally when I planted it. Growing outside the past 4 years but does not twist or curl l...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control from Lakeland FL
November 03, 2012 - What native Ground cover is best for erosion control on slope of lake-front? Prefer not too invasive for this northern facing area behind a seawall and near large Oak tree.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |