Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - August 26, 2013
From: Columbia, MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for under live oak in Mississippi
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I need a non-invasive ground cover to plant under my live oak.ANSWER:
Here are several low-growing plants (less than 1 ft) that will grow in part shade and/or shade and that are known to occur in Marion County or in adjacent areas. You should read the GROWING CONDITIONS on each of the species' pages to see that they are compatible with your site for soil type and moisture.
Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee sedge)
Chrysogonum virginianum (Green and gold)
Hexastylis arifolia (Littlebrownjug)
Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry)
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge)
Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox)
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit)
Smilax pumila (Sarsaparilla vine)
Viola pedata (Birdfoot violet)
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcover for shady slope in clay soil
May 20, 2015 - I need to stop erosion on a very shady, sloping side of my house. It is cly soil. We drive our rider mower over it to get to the grassy area in our yard. What perennial ground over might work? Thank...
view the full question and answer
Source of dollarweed for shady lawn in Hillsboro TX
December 19, 2011 - I live in Hillsboro,Tx - Where can I get Dollar Weed for my shady lawn?
view the full question and answer
Low-growing plants for a slope in the shade
July 08, 2013 - Hello,
I'm looking for native plants to put in the shade (within the drip-line) of a well-established American Holly. The area gets deep shade; it is also on a very gentle north-exposure slope. We ...
view the full question and answer
Native groundcover for central California
September 02, 2009 - In Modesto, CA. Hot summers, cold winters. Need a low ground cover for area next to driveway approx. 5ft X 14ft. that stays green all year round. I did have grass there but neigbors lawn is loaded wit...
view the full question and answer
Dog wallowing in damp area in garden from Great Bend KS
March 20, 2013 - I Have a wet area in my back yard that is close to my house. and off my patio there is a water hydrant,gas meter, electrical for my hot tub, my sprinkler valves and pump all there. My dog digs throug...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |