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 - January 17, 2012
From: Elysian, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Erosion Control
Title: Plants for steep lakeside bank in Minnesota
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am new to MN and would like to plant some pretty plants on my steep lakeside bank. What type plants and flowers should I plant to prevent erosion, but not block the lake view?ANSWER:
Grasses are very effective at controlling erosion because their extensive fibrous root systems help to hold the soil in place. Here are a few grasses native to your area that are attractive and not particularly tall:
Bouteloua hirsuta (Hairy grama) is 10 to 18 inches tall and grows in part shade.
Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple lovegrass) grows 8 to 18 inches tall.
Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley) grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
Koeleria macrantha (Prairie junegrass) is 1 to 2 feet tall.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem) grows 18 to 24 inches.
A combination of grasses should work well to control the erosion and you can plant other colorful perennials or annuals interspersed with the grasses. Please visit our Minnesota Recommended page to find plants that are commercially available for landscaping in the state. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the HEIGHT (IN FEET) of the plants to 0-1 or 1-3. You can also designate the type of plant and light and moisture requirements. Here are a few suggestions from the list that you might consider:
Asarum canadense (Canadian wild ginger) grows in shade and part shade to 4 to 8 inches high.
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood) grows in sun, part shade and shade to a height of 3 to 6 inches.
Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's breeches) grows in sun, part shade and shade to 10 inches.
Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry) grows in shade and part shade to only 2 inches high.
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry) grows in sun and part shade up to 6 inches.
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) grows in shade and part shade to 10 inches.
Uvularia sessilifolia (Spreading bellwort) grows in sun, part shade and shade to 10-15 inches.
You might find our How to Article, Meadow Gardening, useful since with a mixture of grasses and flowers you are creating a meadow, albeit a sloping one.
From the Image Gallery
More Erosion Control Questions
Landscaping on South Padre Island
June 07, 2008 - I'm in charge of landscaping at my beachfront condo in South Padre Island and find the wind, salt air, and heat challenging for growing almost anything. We would like to incorporate native plants, b...
view the full question and answer
Need a pretty ground cover to control erosion in Rigdeway, SC.
June 09, 2012 - What is a fast, pretty ground cover blanket to control erosion on steep hill. gets full sun.
view the full question and answer
Plants to prevent bank erosion in Virginia
April 02, 2009 - I am looking for good native plant choices for a steep river bank. My driveway is at the top of this slope, so I will need to avoid any plants that would cause erosion. I would prefer low shrubs.
view the full question and answer
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
Long Island Barrier Beach Plants
April 22, 2013 - I live on the south shore of Long Island on a barrier beach and am landscaping my property as a result of Sandy damage. I am going with a sand base, and I am looking for suitable trees and shrubs for...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |