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_43.gif)
Saturday - January 23, 2016
From: San Jose, CA
Region: California
Topic: Groundcovers, Herbs/Forbs, Vines
Title: Pet Friendly Groundcovers for CA
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I am looking for pet friendly, groundcover plants in San Jose, CA.ANSWER:
Let’s start first with a list of native plants for your area. Take a look at the Native Plant Database on the www.wildflower.org website and put in the following search criteria: State = California, habit = vine, duration = perennial, light requirement = shade, soil moisture = dry. Then select the light requirements and soil moisture levels you have. This will generate a list of vines that could act like groundcover plants.
Then cross-reference the native vines list with the poisonous plants list on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website. This website lists plants that are toxic or non-toxic to pets.
Best wishes in your search.
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Finding a manzanita species suitable for Fort Worth, TX
April 28, 2015 - Which manzanita shrub would thrive best in the Fort Worth, Tx. area? I was thinking of planting it in a large pot. Thank You!
view the full question and answer
Want a ground cover instead of St. Augustine to fill in gaps in stone pathway.
November 19, 2012 - I'm considering using Silver Ponyfoot (instead of St. Augustine) to fill in the 6" gaps between my 24"x24" cut limestone blocks footpath and patio. Do they run long that may cover the blocks, whi...
view the full question and answer
Compatibility of mixed ground covers with St. Agustine grass
March 04, 2015 - My husband and I live in Northwest Austin. We have removed lawn from our front yard and replaced it with mulch and some trees and other plantings.
We would like to replace the lawn in our backyard ...
view the full question and answer
Low groundcovers for MA
June 29, 2011 - We are developing ground mounted solar installations in southeastern MA. We are seeking advice for native groundcover species for our various regions (coastal meadows, etc). Species like bearberry and...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for East Texas
November 07, 2010 - I live in the country of east Texas and wish to grow native ground covers around my house and property. I have no way to control this growth, as I have no fences or borders. I have sandy soil and th...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |