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)
Tuesday - May 24, 2016
From: Apple Valley, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for sunny slope in Minnesota
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, I'm from Apple Valley, MN. We backyard has large slope areas that get sun through out the day. We have huge weed and buck thorn problem. Can you please suggest a good ground covering plant that grows not more than 4/5 inchesANSWER:
Here are plants native to Minnesota that could serve as ground covers. All of them will grow in the sun, but may do better in part shade. Please read the Growing Conditions on each species page to learn more about whether they would be suitable for your site.
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood) Here are more photos and information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Phlox subulata (Creeping phlox) Here are photos and more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Rubus pubescens (Dwarf red blackberry) Here are photos and more information from Northern Ontario Plant Database.
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Shrubby five-fingers) Here are photos and more information from Minnesota Wildflowers.
Verbena bracteata (Bigbract verbena) Here are photos and more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Viola labradorica (Alpine violet) Here are photos and more information from Plants for a Future.
Viola sororia (Missouri violet) Here are photos and more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Viola pedatifida [syn.=Viola palmata var. pedatifida](Prairie violet) Here are photos and more informatation from Minnesota Wildflowers and Illinois Wildflowers.
Woodsia ilvensis (Rusty cliff fern) Here are photos and more information from New England Wildflower Society.
Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge) Here are photos and more information from The Friends of the Wild Flower Garden.
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Ground cover for Central California from Concord CA
July 19, 2012 - I live in a part of California where the summers can be very hot and dry but quite cool and wet during the rainy seasons in the wintertime. The soil around my home is very dry, rocky and infertile. I...
view the full question and answer
Low growing groundcovers for pond banks in Brookville PA
July 30, 2010 - What are some good low growing ground cover plants for pond banks? Zone 5, mostly sun, preferably something I could start from seed? Hopefully low maintenance & non-evergreen. Perennial & hardy pre...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers over roots in Roeland Park KS
June 18, 2013 - Large Hackberry tree (aprox 50+years) roots are popping up above ground making mowing under/around it impossible. Is there a plant, ground cover, something I can plant, or cover the roots with that w...
view the full question and answer
Kinnikinnick for a green roof
July 04, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live just north of Seattle and want to build a green roof (outdoor kitchen) I'm concerned about the weight of the soil (saturated), drainage etc. am building from scratch and...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for shade under oaks in San Antonio
May 04, 2013 - I have been modifying my landscape to reduce grass and the need for frequent watering. Have turned half the backyard into native plants garden with hardscape and sitting areas. Have 2 mature Monterey ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |