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)
Sunday - August 28, 2011
From: Dennis, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Drought tolerant plants for MA
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
We have some very very poor soil at our house on Cape Cod and are looking for plants that will take low water and sandy soil. Also we are high on a hill and quite exposed to the elements. The plot gets about 70-80% sun and is front of the side of the house that faces south. I know many people think of Rosa rugosa as native but we'd like to avoid using it as it considered invasive in some New England States.ANSWER:
You are right that Rosa rugosa is not a North American native, but is native to Asia. It is widely used in your part of the country as in its native habitat it grows near the coast often in sand dunes and is salt tolerant.
There are some other roses native to your area that would be suitable
Rosa acicularis (Prickly rose)
Rosa setigera (Climbing prairie rose)
as well as other shrubs, grasses and perennials. Grasses are particularly well suited to conditions like yours as they have fibrous root systems. You can search our Native Plant Database to find these plants by doing a Combination Search for Massachusetts and selecting your conditions (sunny and dry). You can generate lists of each plant type you are interested in that have links to more detailed information for each plant.
Some of the plants we think would be suitable are:
Physocarpus opulifolius (Atlantic ninebark)
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac)
Ammophila breviligulata (American beach grass) (although this may be too aggressive to be a good choice)
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem)
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie dropseed)
Although you will ultimately be limited by what is available in your nurseries there are also many perennials to choose from. Read the descriptions (especially growing conditions requirements) and only try the ones that are adaptable to many soil types. Also take your cues from nature and have a look at what is doing well in other gardens in your area.
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Non-native zoysia and bermuda grasses in Austin
July 11, 2013 - We have Bermuda grass in the front and Zoysia in the back yards. The back grass is fine but the front yard Bermuda isn't. We have watered once each week during the spring and during the past 3 weeks...
view the full question and answer
Muhlenbergia dumosa safe for horses from Austin
May 13, 2014 - Is Muhlenbergia dumosa safe for horses? Will horses eat it? I have a client who has a mini-horse who visits her property on occasion, and I want to ensure that what I plant is both safe for the hors...
view the full question and answer
Erosion Control for a Shaded Slope in Aliquippa PA
May 07, 2014 - What plants. shrubs or trees can I plant to retard soil erosion on a steep shaded hillside in PA
view the full question and answer
Properties of Nolina species
November 16, 2010 - I bought two plants that were labeled "Nolina" but one has round leaves and the other has flat leaves with serrations. Are they two different species? Also, can they be divided or is there only on...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA
December 06, 2012 - Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |