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

Friday - June 04, 2010
From: Angola, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Fast-growing screen for New York
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need a fast growing screen to put along my fence due to undesirable neighbors who moved next door to my summer place. Small lot: 25'x25' . The side is south and the lot is partially shade w sandy soil. I wanted bamboo but cannot find it. Thank you. P.S. I love your siteANSWER:
First of all, thank you for your kind words. Our focus and expertise are in plants native to North America. There are three species of bamboo native to North America and two of those are native to New York:
- Arundinaria gigantea (Giant cane) is native in its entire range according to the USDA Plants Database. Here is a fact sheet from the USDA.
- Arundinaria tecta (Switchcane) was at one time classified as a subspecies of A gigantea. Here is a fact sheet for this species. The USDA Plants Database distribution map indicates that this species is both native and introduced over its range.
There is another North American native species of bamboo, Arundinaria appalachiana (Hill cane), that occurs in Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, but is not shown as occurring in New York.
You may already be aware that bamboos can be invasive since they spread quickly by rhizomes (underground stems). The article on ehow.com, How to Get Rid of Bamboo, gives you a pretty good idea why you might not want to use bamboo. However, if you do decide to use it, you certainly should install a barrier to keep it from spreading out of control. You can visit our National Suppliers Directory to look for nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants to look for a source for this native bamboo.
As an alternative to the native bamboo, my first thought was that you would want an evergreen shrub or tree for your screen. There aren't but a few native to your area (in or adjacent to Erie County) that show rapid growth. In fact, Pinus strobus (eastern white pine), is the only evergreen one I found identified as having rapid growth. Of course, its maximum height is more than 100 feet so that might not be something you want. Two other evergreens of a more moderate size and moderate growth rate are Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) and Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel).
Since this is your summer place, you might be happy to have a rapidly growing deciduous species to act as a screen and intersperse it with evergreens. Here are some possibilities for deciduous small trees/shrubs:
Cornus alternifolia (alternateleaf dogwood) and here's more information.
Corylus americana (American hazelnut) is fast growing and here is more information.
Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) and here is more information.
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark) is fast growing and here is more information.
Rhus copallinum (winged sumac) is fast growing and here is more information.
Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow) is fast growing and here is more information.
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (common elderberry) is fast growing and here is more information.
Staphylea trifolia (American bladdernut) is fast growing and here is more information.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Privacy Hedge for Dripping Springs, TX
April 25, 2014 - We live in Dripping Springs, TX and are looking to find a suggestion for privacy hedges that are non-toxic to dogs, drought resistant, can handle rocky soil and full sun. We prefer flowering hedges. ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen trees for screen in North Carolina
September 14, 2008 - Recently moved into a new "cluster" development where homes are very close together. Need to plant bushes / trees for privacy and would like fast growing ones that are good in the south. Attempted...
view the full question and answer
Patio Privacy Screen Suggestions for Central Texas
March 17, 2013 - I have just built a patio and want to plant some small trees, bushes or shrubs to form a visual barrier (rather than to erect a fence)to the neighbors yard.
view the full question and answer
Dog and kid barrier in East Wenatchee WA
October 01, 2009 - I have about a 8 foot section between my driveway and the neighbor's yard, and their kids and dogs like to run through it! I would like to plant a non-invasive 4-6 foot growing shrub/bush of some s...
view the full question and answer
Drought Resistant Privacy Screen for North Side of Austin Texas House
July 10, 2016 - We live in the densely populated Mueller development, where there's barely 3 feet from our home to the 6 foot high privacy fence between us and the house next door. Since the houses are 2 stories, we ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |