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 - April 02, 2011
From: Newtown Square, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Water Gardens
Title: Plant to stabilize a stream bank in PA
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
Native plants to stabilize steep stream bank in semi shade to full shade. Southeastern PA. ThanksANSWER:
As you embark on this project you will find this publication from the USDA National Agroforestry Center, Biotechnical Streambank Protection: The use of plants to stabilize streambanks (Agroforestry Note #23, March 2002) a very valuable resource.
Grasses are ideal for the task as they have fibrous root systems which hold the soil well. Some will grow right up to the water's edge, others will have to be placed further up the slope. There are also some shrubs, especially willows and dogwoods that can grow in the water at the edge of the stream.
Here are some suggestions; follow the links to detailed information pages to see their exact water and light requirements.
Andropogon glomeratus (Bushy bluestem) grows well in wet areas and prefers full sun. Andropogon virginicus (Broomsedge bluestem) is recommended for erosion control and grows in part shade. Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge) grows in moist soils in sun, part shade or shade. Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats) prefers shade or part shade and moist soils. Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) grows along streambanks in sun or part shade. Tripsacum dactyloides (Eastern gamagrass) likes part shade and grows in moist areas or along streambanks. Cephalanthus occidentalis (Common buttonbush) grows in moist areas and will grow in standing water in shade or part shade. Salix humilis (Prairie willow) grows in sun along streambanks. Salix nigra (Black willow) grows in sun, part shade and shade along streambanks.
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (Common elderberry) grows in part shade and is good for erosion control in moist areas. Alnus serrulata (Hazel alder) grows in sun, part shade and shade on stream banks and other wet areas. Spiraea alba (White meadowsweet) grows in sun, part shade and shade in swamps, wet meadows and shorelines. Cornus racemosa (Gray dogwood) grows in sun, part shade or shade in thickets, river bank woods; wet to dry, low, open areas Cornus sericea (Redosier dogwood) grows in part shade on river banks, lake shores in wooded or open, wet areas. Here are some photos from our Image gallery:
More Water Gardens Questions
Need help replacing a non-functioning pond in Houston, TX.
March 30, 2010 - I have a non-functioning, shell-shaped, concrete pond in a shaded part of my backyard that has been a great place to grow mosquitoes since I got this place. I have decided that it is time for a chang...
view the full question and answer
Overwintering a Juncus effusus in Great Neck, NY
October 23, 2008 - Can I over winter a juncus effusus spiralis indoors or must it be kept outdoors? Whether indoors or outdoors, what is the proper way to keep it alive during the winter months?
view the full question and answer
Plants for a pond bank in Gladwin MI
September 13, 2009 - Our acre-size pond bank is sloped and high maintenance--needs mowed. We have lots of deer. We would like to plant a low-lying ground cover to eliminate mowing the bank--any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Erosion prevention on shady Pennsylvania stream
July 28, 2011 - I'm looking for a few species to plant along a stream channel to help reduce erosion during heavy rains. The soil is moist and in full shade. Ferns and thorny bushes are the only current vegetation...
view the full question and answer
Plants for freestanding water in Oklahoma
July 28, 2013 - I have an overflowing gutter and the ground below becomes a muddy hole. I'd like to put a basin or pot in/or above the ground with a rain chain. Are there any plants--shrubs or otherwise that flouris...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |