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

Tuesday - August 16, 2011
From: Bonifay, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants, Managing Roadsides, Non-Natives, Erosion Control
Title: Liriope spicata for erosion and dust suppression from Bonifay FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I want to plant Liriope 'spicata'. I know it can be aggressive and that's what I want. We live on dirt road and need something by road for help in erosion and it's also hard to mow this area. Also it will be in full sun mostly. But my ?? is will it blow from seed into my neighbors yard across the road. Need something FAST growing as long as it stays in our yard. Hope it just spreads by rhizomes?? Have thought about mondo grass as well. Thank you SO much for your help.ANSWER:
We can't help you much. Both Liriope 'spicata' and 'mondo grass' are basically the same plant, and both are non-native. They do spread by rhizomes and are "slowly aggressive," according to this Ohio State University Horticulture article on Liriope spicata (read the whole article). We extracted Culture information:
- partial sun to full shade
- performs best in moist, fertile soils in partial shade, but will tolerate very dry, poor, and thin soils in sunny or shady sites
- propagated primarily by division of the many adjoining crown segments
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants grow natively; this plant is native to Asia. Please read our How-To Article on Using Native Plants.
More Erosion Control Questions
Plants for bridge foundation erosion control in WV .
July 05, 2010 - There is a stream on my property that I must cross to get to my house from the road (stream is about 6 - 8 feet wide, with 5 to 6 foot banks). I've recently had to have the bridge repaired, and the ...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Maryland Slope in Deer Country
July 03, 2016 - I have a 20-30% grade hill in Maryland. I am looking for a groundcover plant (for example ivy) that I can plant on the hill. I have the following issues: clay soil, deer, full sun, limited water sourc...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for native grasses to stabilize hillside Lago Vista, TX.
May 20, 2012 - I was hoping for some advice. We live on a hillside near Lake Travis. 10-12 years ago I removed all cedar trees. There is approximately 1-2 acrees of steep land between our residence and the lake. ...
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
Ground cover for a slope in MD
August 04, 2011 - Looking for a groundcover to hold a shady slope undercut with tree roots in Maryland and to prevent further erosion.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |