Native Plants
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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.
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Saturday - April 04, 2009
From: Albany, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Grasses for creek area near Abilene, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have constructed several low water crossings on a live creek in the Abilene,Texas area and need to find out the best grass to plant to hold secure the soil and keep down erosion. The creek does runs once a year or so. The areas I am trying to plant are about 70% sunlight and it is possible for me to water the seed until established.ANSWER:
Below are some native grasses that all occur in or near Taylor County that should be be ideal for application to your low water crossings.Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass)
Setaria leucopila (streambed bristlegrass) with more information
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush) is not technically a grass (it is a rush), but it should be very good for areas that stay moist most of the year.
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May 20, 2012 - I am writing to you on behalf of the Arboretum at South Seattle Community College Arboretum. I am interested in Panicum virgatum Switch Grass as a plant for a very heavy clay garden in our Arboretum a...
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October 29, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
Yesterday, I attended the plant sale at the Wildflower Center. I purchased cupgrass and switchgrass seeds only to discover the grasses may need more water than I am willing to u...
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