Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Monday - May 25, 2009
From: Union, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for wet area in Missouri
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello, I live in Missouri and our neighborhood is built over a natural spring. Half of my yard remains wet/moist for weeks to months and we can't mow it. I'm looking for a ground cover and plants that will be able to survive, take over the grass that is there, and be attractive. The area is mostly shaded with some areas without trees. I'd something low maintenance. Thanks!ANSWER:
This sounds like a great place for ferns. Here are some possibilities:FERNS
Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern)
Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern)
You can add some other plants to the fern mix in the form of:
PERENNIAL HERBACEOUS PLANTS
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)
Caltha palustris (yellow marsh marigold)
Impatiens capensis (jewelweed)
Iris brevicaulis (zigzag iris)
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinalflower)
Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
Monarda didyma (scarlet beebalm)
Vernonia fasciculata (prairie ironweed)
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcovers for Moreno Valley, CA
May 17, 2012 - Hi, I live in Moreno Valley, CA I have a huge flower bed area surrounding our grass I am looking for the best ground cover that will have minimal up keep.
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Ground cover for steep slope in Washington DC
May 07, 2010 - We have a steep slope in our garden in Washington DC which has sun from noon to sun set. Could you please recommend some low maintenance plants which would be a good ground cover and limit erosion?
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Groundcover for Lighthouse Point FL
April 13, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants:
I am looking for mowable ground cover for part of my back yard. Due to a Mahogany tree, a hammock, surrounding foliage and a fence, there is alot of shade in the area, alon...
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Ground cover for south-facing yard in Paris, TX
June 09, 2008 - We are moving to Paris, Tx. Our front yard faces south with 2 large sycamores shading it. Grass has a hard time growing here. I'd like to plant groundcover. Think it's sandy loam.
Do you have a...
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Ground covering around cypresses in pool area
July 25, 2008 - We have multiple cypress trees planted along our pool area..they shed way too much..but I'm looking for something to put under and around them over the dirt..do you suggest wood chips or a ground cov...
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