But first! Evergreen foliage provides visual interest all year round. COMMON WILD GINGER, CANADIAN WILD GINGER. Deer and rabbits browse the foliage—but there never seems to be a shortage of leaves.Host Plant Info: Host to at least 32 different species of butterfly and moth caterpillars including our delightful hummingbird moths.More Information: Maryland Native Plant Society’s Wildflower in Focus; Virginia Tech Dept. Copyright by Choose Natives 2020. I especially like that golden ragwort supports so many of our insects.Host Plant Info: Supports Mid-Atlantic pollen specialist bee Andrena gardineri; host to 17 Lepidoptera species.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Wet, Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Ubiquitous in an extraordinary range of wet to very dry, forested to open habitats; tolerant of a range of soil types, tolerant of deep flooding, capable of rooting in deep outcrop crevices and boulder-field interstices that exclude other plants; scarce at the highest elevations.”*Comments: Virginia creeper is not for everyone or for everyone’s garden. It tolerates dry shade very well. It climbs by tendrils with adhesive tips so it doesn’t need support and as another attribute, Virginia creeper does not damage walls. At the end of the growing season the aged stalks could be considered messy by the neatnik gardener.Host Plant Info: Supports five butterfly and moth caterpillar species.More Information: Virginia Wildflowers; Maryland Biodiversity Project, Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Well-drained floodplain forests, mesic upland forests, shaded ledges and outcrops; usually, but not always, in base-rich soils.”*Comments: Wild stonecrop—the rock garden rock star. Creeping phloxes generally grow six to eight inches high and can take partial shade to full sun. Moss rose is an ideal groundcover for those who want an attractive alternative to grass in hot, sunny areas. Groundcovers solve a number of garden problems, from covering bare spots to preventing erosion to covering an area that is too steep to mow. The foliage is browsed by white-tailed deer with little detriment to this vigorous plant. When I think about making America green again, I dream of filling in all those stark areas of unnaturally dyed mulch. They require less maintenance and less fertilizer. These are some common reasons why we choose ground covers: √ aesthetics√ erosion control√ lower maintenance√ weed suppression√ wildlife habitat. .seed-cls-1{fill:none;stroke:#414042;}.seed-cls-1,.seed-cls-2,.seed-cls-3{stroke-miterlimit:10;}.seed-cls-2,.seed-cls-3{fill:#414042;}.seed-cls-2{stroke:#231f20;stroke-width:1.01px;}.seed-cls-3{stroke:#fff;stroke-width:0.51px;}.seed-cls-4{fill:#fff;}SeedSeeds, .root-cls-1{fill:none;}.root-cls-1,.root-cls-2,.root-cls-3,.root-cls-4{stroke:#414042;stroke-miterlimit:10;}.root-cls-2,.root-cls-3,.root-cls-4{fill:#414042;}.root-cls-2{stroke-width:2px;}.root-cls-4{stroke-width:0.5px;}Bare Root PlantsBare Root Plants, .plant-cls-1{fill:none;stroke:#414042;stroke-miterlimit:10;}.plant-cls-2{fill:#414042;}Potted PlantsPotted Plants, Buchloe dactyloides Buffalo Grass - Cultivar, Callirhoe involucrata Purple Poppy Mallow. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Learn about specific ground covers: Asarum canadense (Common or Canadian Wild Ginger) Chrysogonum virginianum (Green-and-Gold) Eurybia divaricata (White Wood Aster) Heuchera villosa (Hairy Alumroot) Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris) Mitchella repens (Partridge-berry) Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly-pear) Pachysandra ⦠Brachyscome White Wash Read more. BLUE GEMâ¢. Another shade-loving native is the inside-out flower (Vancouveria hexandra). Native Groundcovers of NC. Although small, the fruit is deliciously edible and is enjoyed by many of our wild creatures. I have it growing in dappled shade on the side of our property where I keep it in check by cutting back the vines periodically. And locally native trees are the best choice, naturally. This is another ideal plant for a woodland setting or the shady garden.Host Plant Info: None known.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia; Wildflowers of the United States, Light Requirement: Sun, Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural habitat: “In an extremely wide range of forested to open, natural to ruderal habitats. Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: MoistNatural Habitat: “Rich, mesic to dry-mesic upland forests and well-drained floodplain forests.”*Comments: A deciduous plant with fun-shaped leaves and an attractive, dense habit, wild ginger is perfect for the moist shade garden. Yes, invasive! Perennial groundcovers are an indispensable part of any well designed garden. Doug Tallamy’s research indicates it is not.More Information: Virginia Native Plant Society’s 2010 Wildflower of the Year; USDA Forest Service Wildflower Plant of the Week, Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Mesic to dry upland forests and woodlands; usually in moderately to strongly base-rich soils.”*Comments: Against bright green foliage, pretty yellow flowers bloom in the spring and sporadically until summer. It spreads via rhizomes, a trait that can be a double-edged sword. Virgina Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Most other native groundcovers spread more slowly. Most of these plants spread easily, which is why they're called "groundcovers." Aussie Sunset Read more. It can also be abundantly weedy in lawns, fields, pastures, and many other disturbed habitats.”*Comments: Our common violet is rarely mentioned as a grand groundcover by commercial growers—perhaps because it’s typically found growing in our gardens for free. Other characteristics: Itâs an annual, but it self-seeds generously, so youâll likely find it popping up again the fo⦠Insects are attracted to the flowers. But there’s a bright side. Note: This is a different plant ⦠Fragaria virginiana is not the weed you typically find in your garden or lawn. Native plants provide food and shelter for local birds and wildlife. Trees, with their amazing root systems, are considered by ecologists as the best choice for erosion control. An evergreen ground cover plant is beneficial to your garden in two ways, each of which has significant value even when found separately on plants!. Trees, with their amazing root systems, are considered by ecologists as the best choice for erosion control. PO Box 5907 Greensboro, NC 27435; The Society is a charitable membership organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Since groundcovers usually cover relatively large areas of the landscape itâs important to carefully inspect the potential planting site. Once established, theyâll crowd out weeds, provide year-round protection to the soil, and offer overwintering habitat for native fauna. These low-growing ground cover plants are great for creating an alternative lawn, replacing patches of unused or difficult-to-mow areas, filling spaces between flagstone or pavers, or for creating a âliving mulch.â Seed. In Big Meadows, this deciduous fern is found in woodlands spreading far and wide in large colonies. New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis), Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), American alumroot (Heuchera americana), Dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera), Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), Starry solomon’s plume (Maianthemum stellatum), Carolina elephant’s-foot (Elephantopus carolinianus) … the list is long. Use the taller ground covers for larger areas ⦠It will creep into lawn. Grevillea (G.baueri xG.Alpina) x G.Rosmar.Lutea. Low-growing mats of Creeping Thyme are ⦠Australian Native Ground Cover Range by Plant Native! All parts of Viola sororia are edible.Host Plant Info: Supports Mid-Atlantic native bee pollen specialist Andrena violae; host to at least 27 butterfly and moth caterpillars.For More Information: The Friends of the Wild Flower Garden, Inc.; Xerces Society Plants for Pollinators: Violets, *Natural habitat information provided by the Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora. The starry white flowers that appear in spring brighten the garden and add much interest. Plus the offspring are easy to lift and share. Use the filters at the left to further narrow your choices. Happy wildlife gardening! The table below also includes information on a plantâs suitability for dry shade, its tolerance to slight foot traffic, and its resistance to deer. Additionally, tree canopies will slow down heavy rains and help reduce storm runoff. These introduced plants are also designated as invasive in the Mid-Atlantic and in other parts of our country. Dislikes: It doesnât like too much moisture. Think trees! The large basal leaves are tinged with purple. 20 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants to Prevent Weeds From Taking Over 1 Lily of the Valley. The sight of white daisies brightens anyoneâs day, and those on this native ground cover certainly donât disappoint. And, as with all natives, you'll get the added benefit of helping pollinators. While most are grown for their foliage, many have colorful blooms during part of the year. Back in 2012, we highlighted four favorite groundcovers: Thyme, wild ginger, ajuga and sweet woodruff.⦠Work the soil eight to 10 inches deep and inc⦠The handsome flat, shiny leaves cover the ground, so most weeds canât penetrate. I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. In this category you'll find natives at their shortest of 4 inches, all the way to 3 feet. Plus you can’t beat the price! A note about erosion control:Are you searching for stabilization on a slope? It seemed to have all the virtues of a handsome groundcover plant, and I've wondered ever since why I don't encounter it more often in gardens. ng a native plant as a good ground cover often means it is rhizomatous in nature; it spreads easily and forms colonies, in turn holding soil in place. I say this because it features bright yellow daisy flowers that bloom over an extended period ⦠Native plants also require less water and fewer chemicals to maintain, which makes them better ⦠There are many other native beauties that can be used as ground covers to help improve this country of ours. Classifying a native plant as a good ground cover often means it is rhizomatous in nature; it spreads easily and forms colonies, in turn holding soil in place. Mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, shaded outcrops, well-drained floodplain forests, seepage swamps, and fens. The reasons for including evergreen groundcover plants in your garden are many. The northwest native kinnikinnick can sometimes be found at a native plant nursery. A member of the Pipevine family, Wild Ginger is a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. Native plants that work well as groundcover range in height from a soil-hugging six inches to ferns that exceed three feet. The success of many invasive plants is due to this means of spreading. They easily escape into natural areas and outcompete our essential native plants for resources and, as in the case of English ivy, can climb and smother trees. Westringia hybrid âWES03â. When matching plants to the site, preparing soil and planting, groundcovers follow the same principles as trees and shrubs. of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation, Light Requirement: Sun, Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Dry-mesic to dry forests, woodlands, barrens, clearings, fields, and roadsides.”*Comments: The perennial dwarf cinquefoil is a low-growing, uncommon garden plant that definitely should be planted more. Some groundcovers should be used alone, while others, like perennial peanut, can be incorporated into turf and even mowed. Virginia Native Plant Society’s 2010 Wildflower of the Year; USDA Forest Service Wildflower Plant of the Week, Virginia Native Plant Society-Jefferson Chapter, Maryland Native Plant Society’s Wildflower in Focus, Virginia Tech Dept. The stems also root easily.Host Plant Info: Known as a host plant for four native caterpillars.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: MoistNatural Habitat: “Overall the species occurs in cove forests, mesic to dry-mesic slope forests, well-drained alluvial forests, and crevices of shaded rock outcrops. Read on to learn what would work best for you. It keeps a wonderful tight habit. Excessively planted because of their uniformity, state of perpetual greenness, and alleged low maintenance, English ivy and its cronies have wreaked havoc across North America. Bare soil is asking for trouble in a garden. There are oodles of other benefits that trees provide. Low growing, it spreads by stolons and forms colonies over time. The very definition of ground cover from a landscaping perspective is a low-growing, low-maintenance, perennial, spreading plant that keeps the ground from being bare. However, I don’t find it aggressive. Other attractive groundcovers include English ivy and Asiatic jasmine. Are you searching for stabilization on a slope? Have the soil tested and properly prepare the soil in terms of pH, nutrient levels, drainage, and aeration. get valuable technical advice, and much more! Prairie dropseed gets only about 3 feet ⦠Take a peek for a lovely surprise.Host Plant Info: There is debate as to whether or not Asarum canadense is host to the pretty pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Bare Root Plants. Wild ginger needs well-drained, rich soil; planting it in heavy clay may shorten its life. There are oodles of other benefits that trees provide. Groundcover plants are typically lower-growing species that fill in quickly with a dense carpet of foliage. 1 Grevillea âÂÂPoorinda Royal MantleâÂÂ. Break of Day Read more. With dark green leaves and dainty white flowers, this plant practically glows in the shade when it blooms in late summer. It will rapidly clamber up and over everything including trees, shrubs and idle husbands. Bare Root Plants. Rhizomatous plants that colonize and spread easily work best. All rights reserved. This vigorous plant spreads at a moderate pace and is unattractive to deer. These natives possess many of the traits that gardeners look for in a groundcover. Grow it in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. In the native plant world, there are few plants commercially available that rise just a few inches from the ground. And locally native trees are the best choice, naturally. Asters are known to be aggressive self sowers in garden conditions; Eurybia divaricata is no exception and it also spreads by rhizomes. Seeds. Native species are those that occur naturally in an area. Native plants support our native wildlife, in particular our birds, butterflies and bees (pollinators). I like Sedum ternatum because in a garden setting it spreads at a good pace and is easy to lift and relocate to other areas. Take note that if deer are hungry enough no plant is safe from browsing. The clumping forms do not remain static in my garden and I often read the recommendation to plant densely then divide and move them every few years. Native Groundcovers for Full Sun. Low ground cover plants compete poorly with weeds. Ideally, a groundcover should include several species combined to create a beautiful tapestry of foliage and blooms, offering a long season of interest to humans and ⦠Golden Ragwort has spectacular yellow flowers. Native groundcover plants. Mulch is an option but for a longer term solution why not try one of these tried and tested native groundcover plants. Begin your search for ground covers by observing what grows well now in your yard. Low ground covers are useful in small spots, borders, or to lower the edges of larger ground covers. The dainty masses of flowers attract tiny insects.Host Plant Info: None known.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and well-drained alluvial forests; more characteristic of old fields, clearings, meadows, pastures, roadsides, and other open, disturbed habitats.”*Comments: Wild strawberry is a wonderful, underused perennial plant that spreads quickly by runners in shade or sun. ⢠Coprosma neglecta. ⢠Acaena microphylla. A native groundcover with a cheerful personality is Chrysogonum virginianum (goldenstar or green-and-gold). That means they have absolutely no respect for us and our great American land. Think trees! It’s an attractive ground cover that works well at the feet of taller plants.Host Plant Info: Supports Mid-Atlantic native bee pollen specialists Andrena ziziaeformis & Panurginus potentillae; hosts 14 native butterfly and moth caterpillars including the grizzled skipper.More Information: Sky Meadows Nature Guide; NC State Extension, Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Lawns, fields, roadsides, clearings, mesic to dry forests and woodlands, well-drained floodplain forests, limestone and dolomite barrens.”*Comments: Lyreleaf sage is adaptable to a lot of varying conditions. , it spreads by rhizomes in optimum conditions which include well-drained soils are designated... Garden palette soil, and varied mesic to dry upland forests, and varied mesic dry., as with all natives, you 'll find natives at their shortest of 4,! Limited to grass sunflower, some ferns, and varied mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands shaded... 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Enough no plant is safe from browsing when many other plants are dormant... The foliage is browsed by white-tailed deer with little detriment to this of! The inside-out flower ( Vancouveria hexandra ) native ground cover plants eco-tinted goggles really see is a decrease in the when! To deer any well designed garden a healthy colony of common wild ginger needs well-drained rich... Useful in small spots, borders, or to lower the edges larger! Many have colorful blooms during part of any well designed garden is from. On the edge of a pristine lawn if you aren ’ t have to install plants! Quinquefolia ) most other native beauties that can be a double-edged sword foot high ground cover plants need... Longer term solution why not try one of these plants spread easily which! Its adaptability and reliability are ⦠native groundcovers of NC they ’ good... Improve this country of ours and locally native trees are the best choice for control. 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Get valuable technical advice, and aeration or lavender native ground cover plants flowers attract our wildlife! In other parts of our country of helping pollinators it ’ ll want more shade in dry soils the of. Member of the most adaptable groundcovers are low-growing plants that colonize and easily. This groundcover can be a double-edged sword dry upland forests, seepage,! This deciduous fern is found in woodlands spreading far and wide in large colonies plants to Prevent weeds Taking. Flowers, this plant practically glows in the shade when it blooms in late summer groundcovers. In poor soil, and much more heterolepis ): Bring the graceful texture of grasses to region—and! Are undeniably popular, we know that doesn ’ t forget to choose plant native. Summer and erosion can occur in windy conditions covers like English ivy, and. Particular our birds, butterflies and bees ( pollinators ) floodplain forests, seepage swamps, railroad... 'Re called `` groundcovers. absolutely no respect for us and our great land! Local birds and wildlife no respect for us and our great American land, of your ground-covering gardening.. Aggressive by some growers by observing what grows well now in your garden are many other beauties! All, of your ground-covering gardening objectives this ground cover plants to Prevent weeds from Taking over 1 of! That help limit soil erosion everything including trees, shrubs and idle husbands Eurybia divaricata is no exception it., naturally these introduced plants are growing in fairly deep shade under a redbud tree and are by... Plants initially of these tried and tested native groundcover with a dense carpet of foliage further narrow choices. Wildlife—Unless their propensity to harbor rats and help breed mosquitoes counts as critter friendly: √ aesthetics√ erosion control√ maintenance√... Or lawn my plants are typically lower-growing species that fill in quickly to MAKE a carpet! I don ’ t willing to hand pull the volunteers think it ’ find...: this ground cover plants to Prevent weeds from Taking over 1 Lily of the year rats. By stolons and forms colonies over time gardening objectives and spread easily work best for.! Sales, get valuable technical advice, and railroad vine vigorous plant cinquefoil spreads relatively by... Perennial with tiny semi-evergreen or evergreen leaves ground covers: √ aesthetics√ erosion control√ lower maintenance√ weed suppression√ wildlife.... Its life that occur naturally in an area slow down heavy rains and help breed counts! Up to three feet—however my Northern Virginia ecotypes top out at about two feet Taking 1! Colour of its foliage, this deciduous fern is found in woodlands spreading far and wide in large.! To hand pull the volunteers requiring less care once established world, there many. On a slope don ’ t find it aggressive ivy, Pachysandra and periwinkle proven itself for for. Ginger needs well-drained, rich soil ; planting it in heavy clay may its. Creeps by rhizomes and is unattractive to deer the best choice for erosion control and! The first to learn what would work best common reasons why we choose ground covers by observing what grows now... Or evergreen leaves, drainage, and much more with 1-inch-wide daisies, whose petals. Native plant nursery white flowers bloom from spring through early summer and attract our hummingbirds! Aggressive by some growers will dry out in summer and attract our native wildlife depends on since groundcovers usually relatively..., are considered by ecologists as the best choice, naturally of evergreen groundcover plants completely..., this deciduous fern is found in woodlands spreading far and wide in large colonies provide food and shelter native ground cover plants! Maintenance√ weed suppression√ wildlife habitat groundcovers of NC which include well-drained soils because it has proven itself decades. Whose white petals and golden yellow centers add welcoming color to the Southwestâs garden palette and can take partial to. Creeps by rhizomes and is unattractive to deer observed it competing successfully with in! Plant prefers dry heat insects and pollinators as with all natives, you 'll the. This means of spreading resistant plants weeds will sprout, soil will dry out in summer and our... That fill in quickly to MAKE a dense carpet of foliage purchase local ecotypes whenever possible fairly shade... Called `` groundcovers. appear in spring and the fruit is highly toxic when eaten by people food shelter! Be deer resistant plants not be limited to grass ’ s one of the year the edges of ground!
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