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)
Wednesday - May 16, 2012
From: Eureka Springs, AR
Region: Southeast
Topic: Rain Gardens, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Pond Plants for Eureka Springs AR
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I have a 1 acre pond that we are cleaning up. This area will be used for recreation and fishing. We plan to put native rock around some of the edges and need perennial plants that do well in rocky areas sitting close to the water if not in the water. We live in northwest Arkansas and have hot humid summers and sometimes cold icy wintersANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants’ normal approach is to point out the “Recommended Species” list and that it can be searched for plants which prefer specific conditions such as “Full Sun” and Soil Moisture: “Wet-Saturated”.
For Arkansas, this yielded the following list of shrubs: Lobelia siphilitica (Great blue lobelia), Hibiscus moscheutos (Crimsoneyed rosemallow), Penstemon digitalis (Mississippi penstemon), Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower), Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus (Trumpetweed), and Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie rosinweed). This should be a good starting list, but also consider the soil conditions you have versus their preferences and any other aspects that may be important to you. There were also a number of trees suggested that can tolerate these conditions, but it didn’t sound like that was your question.
I also found a few questions that were similar to yours; you may want to review these answers for additional insight into what you may want to do. This question considers a similar situation in Kansas. This one features both native grasses and refers a how-to article on water gardening. Another question discusses a pond in Missouri, and this one is also from Missouri, but focuses on smaller plants so that they can be fished over!
Finally, it's always possible that you can find expert advice at the local chapter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society or at the Carroll County Extension Office. Another possibility is the Northwest Arkansas Koi and Watergarden Society. I found contact information here.The Extension Office may be particularly helpful to you as in the same search I found two documents on rainwater gardens [a near relative to what you are doing], and on the use of native plants in rainwater gardens!
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Native plants for city lot in Longview, TX
March 19, 2008 - Just bought a city lot in Longview, TX and want to put in some plants at the periphery even before the house is built. Can you recommend any that would be from your list of East TX plants that are pa...
view the full question and answer
What to plant between patio flagstones in Austin, TX?
May 16, 2011 - I would like to plant something between my flagstones on the patio. Something that doesn't require a lot of water, low growing, and can stand a little to moderate traffic. It is in a shade to partly...
view the full question and answer
What is the black stuff growing on my thoroughwort?
October 27, 2015 - What is the black stuff on my thoroughwort plant's leaves that is killing the plant?
view the full question and answer
Are dusty millers perennial in Dubuque, IA?
April 24, 2009 - I have dusty millers in my front yard. Last fall I did nothing with them as I wasn't sure if they will return or not. Do the dusty millers continue to grow year after year and should I cut them dow...
view the full question and answer
Freeze damage to salvias in Port Townsend WA
January 21, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
We live in western Washington and had a multi-day hard freeze in December. Now, in mid-January, our salvia hot lips has no live leaves on it. The leaves that remain are green and...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |