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 - March 26, 2013
From: Cambridge, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Problem Plants, Shade Tolerant, Ferns, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants to grow in shady area near a pecan tree in Maryland
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I have planted only natives in my front lawn. My backyard, which sports a pecan tree, fir, fig tree, and others I can't identify is dirt, just dirt. I have tried local grass seeds. Nothing takes. Do you have any suggestions?ANSWER:
I think your problem is twofold: 1) shade and, perhaps, 2) the allelopathic effect of the juglone in the pecan tree. Juglones are chemicals produced by trees in the Family Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) that are capable of inhibiting the growth of some, but not all, other plants. You can see lists of plants susceptible to juglones and those tolerant of juglones from Ohio State University. (Be aware that not all the plants on their list are native to Maryland or even to North America.) It appears that the level of juglone in Carya illinoinensis (pecan) is less than in walnuts. Grasses, in general, seem to be tolerant of juglones. In fact, there have been studies showing that bermudagrass and tall fescue are allelopathic to pecan seedlings!
Here are three grasses and a sedge that occur in Maryland and will grow in the shade or part shade. I have personal experience with inland sea oats growing quite happily under my walnut tree in Texas and suspect the other three species will also be tolerant of your pecan's juglones.
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Muhlenbergia schreberi (nimblewill)
Carex blanda (eastern woodland sedge)
Here are a few herbs and a fern from the Ohio State University list that are native to Maryland and will grow in the shade or part shade:
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit)
Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's breeches)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Trillium species such as Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flower wakerobin)
Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia spiderwort)
Viola canadensis (Canadian white violet) and Viola pedata (Birdfoot violet) and other violets
Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern)
For all the species named above, you should check the other characteristics shown under GROWING CONDITIONS on the species page to determine if they match those of your site.
From the Image Gallery
More Ferns Questions
Calcium from Eggshells for Ferns?
December 15, 2014 - I was reading recently about beneficial additions to the soil/plant. The first was about soaking used egg shells overnight and then pouring the water onto ferns. They said that the calcium in eggshell...
view the full question and answer
Yellowing fern houseplants from Lancaster PA
April 10, 2013 - I have fern houseplants about 9 to 12 months old and they are turning yellow. I don't overwater and they get good light. They are growing well but I don't understand the yellowing and falling off! ...
view the full question and answer
Plants to prevent creekside erosion in Nacogdoches County, Texas
December 09, 2014 - I am looking for some advice on plants native to Texas that can help prevent erosion. I own a wooded lot with a creek and would like to consolidate the sides of the creek against potential erosion. I...
view the full question and answer
Erosion control for a North Carolina creek side
February 29, 2012 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I noticed a question on your website recommending NC native grasses and plants to help prevent erosion on a sloping backyard, including the use of an erosion blanket. The pl...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for memorial garden in Michigan
March 04, 2008 - I want to start a memorial garden for my daughter. I live in northern Michigan and the area has very tall white pines we have pruned them up about 15' so the area does get partial sun. Which plants w...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |