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
Saturday - July 01, 2006
From: Chicago, IL
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Green roof plants tolerating shade
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am researching extensive greenroof plants for a potential site in Austin. The roof surface is shaded for most days of the the year. Are there any top choices for plants for this condition?ANSWER:
it is unusual to have a roof that will be shaded most of the year. The plants recommended for green roofs are generally ones that do well in full sun or part shade. You can see a list of the plants being tested for extensive greenroofs at the Wildflower Center by visiting our Green Roof Research page. Several of the plants being tested are recommended for part shade. These are:Winecup ( Callirhoe involucrata)
Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
Four-nerve daisy (Tetraneuris scaposa)
Barbara's buttons (Marshallia caespitosa)
Spice-Lily (Manfreda maculosa)
The following candidate species are not currently being tested, but they do grow well in the shade and have low water requirements:
Texas sedge (Carex texensis)
Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Cedar sage (Salvia roemeriana)
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
Drummond's Wild Petunia (Ruellia drummondiana)
Pigeon berry (Rivina humilis)
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Tough grasses for shade
November 24, 2010 - What kind of grass/groundcover can I put in our backyard that is shady/dry and has 50 lb. high energy dog traffic? Was considering Horse Herb but not sure, as it sounds like you can't get rid of it,...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers suitable for full sun and partial shade in the Dallas, Texas area
October 22, 2007 - What wildflowers are best for the Dallas area both in sunny and semi shade locations? Are you able to purchase by mail?
view the full question and answer
Grasses for shady areas
November 24, 2013 - I would like to know which grasses would grow in mostly shady part of the house.
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade native to New York
June 13, 2006 - I am gradually trying to convert my garden to all natives. I am working in a shaded area under a maple tree. Are there any varieties of epimediums/barrenwort or hellebores that are native to the nor...
view the full question and answer
Low water use tree to shade pond in Burnet TX
May 10, 2011 - I'm in need of some shade at a 1/2 acre pond, but I don't want a tree to consume so much water that it will lower the water level. During droughts the little pond needs all the water it can get. Som...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |