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

Sunday - August 11, 2013
From: Sag Harbor, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Erosion Control, Shade Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Salt tolerant plants for shade on tidal inlet in NY
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are there any salt water tolerant grasses or forbs with deep roots that grow in shade? I live on a tidal inlet/canal on Long Island NY. The southern bank has cedars and oaks but the soil is eroding concavely, exposing the tree roots. I may have to add soil tubes but don't know what plants would grow in the shade to hold them in place. The tidal range is 3 feet.ANSWER:
For most grasses, shade tends to be a problem. There are several grasses that will do well with salt tolerance, but not with shade tolerance [e.g., Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass)]. However, I have compiled a list of several grasses, forbs and small shrubs that are reported to be salt tolerant and will grow in partial shade using the following sources:
- Connecticut Coastal Planting Guide from Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut
- Teaching Marsh: Salt-tolerant Native Plants for Tidal Shoreline Banks & Slopes from Virginia Center for Coast Resources Management
- Plants for Atlantic Coastal Restoration from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Storm Clean-Up 101: Salt-Tolerant Plants from The New York Botanical Garden
- Relative Salt Tolerance of Coastal Species from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
GRASS/GRASS-LIKE:
Spartina patens (Marsh-hay cord grass) Here is more information from Plant Fact Sheet from USDA NRCS.
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) will grow in part shade. Here is a Plant Fact Sheet from USDA NRCS.
Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem) will grow in part shade and is moderately salt tolerant.
FORBS:
Limonium carolinianum (Carolina sealavender) grows in part shade. Here are more photos and information from Go Botany.
Symphyotrichum tenuifolium (Perennial saltmarsh aster) will grow in part shade. Here are photos and more information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
SHRUBS:
Baccharis halimifolia (Groundseltree) grows in part shade from 5 to 12 feet. Here is more information from North Carolina State University.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) is evergreen and is low-growing in sun or part shade. Here is more information from University of Connecticut-Horticulture.
Morella pensylvanica [synonym=Myrica pensylvanica] (Northern bayberry) is a shrub of 3 to 12 feet that grows in part shade. Here is more information from the University of Florida.
Rosa carolina (Carolina rose) grows in part shade to 1 to 3 feet high.
I don't know exactly how much shade you have, but I think your main problem is finding plants that will grow in full shade that are also salt tolerant. Additionally, the tidal range of 3 feet may be a serious problem with some of these plants. The Relative Salt Tolerance of Coastal Species list may help you determine exactly which species will do best. You can check the light requirements for various plants on any of the lists by searching (using the scientific name) in our Native Plant Database.
Best of luck!
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Native lawn replacement for shady areas in Austin
September 11, 2013 - Our front lawn was totally destroyed this summer during some remodeling construction. I am interested in replacing it with native grasses, but we have several oak trees that keep the area fairly shady...
view the full question and answer
Plants to stabilize a bank in VT
April 10, 2012 - I am looking for suggestion on what plants might best be suited for aiding in the stabilization of a very steep bank above Lake Champlain.
view the full question and answer
Native plants for bioswale in Tennessee
September 02, 2008 - What native plants do you recommend for a bioswale in Tennessee?
view the full question and answer
Native grass to replace St. Augustine in Houston
July 18, 2009 - I read your answer to the question on the Houston Chronicle's website in relation to watering St. Augustine grass. You referred to St. Augustine as non-native, but from what I can gather St. Augusti...
view the full question and answer
Native plants to make houses for sale more attractive
November 03, 2006 - I could use your suggestions: I have 2 small houses in Dallas which I am trying to sell, and would like to beautify -- with plants.
Currently there are no shrubs or groundcover or trees -- nor anyo...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |