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)
Monday - November 02, 2009
From: Paris, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Groundcover for shade in Paris, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a south exposure with 2 large sycamore trees. Noon sun in patches and mainly dappled shade but not dense. I'm consideering planting asian ivy. The soil is "sandy loam" but it's very sandy and heavy. St. Augustine grass grows but I don't want it. Are my chances good?ANSWER:
Since the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes," we are going to recommend that you NOT plant the non-native Asian ivy (Hedera colchica)
We are happy that you are getting rid of your St. Augustine grass, however, and we can offer you some native alternatives to Asian ivy. These are suggestions from the Wasowski's Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region for groundcovers that grow in the shade and in sand in your area of the state:
Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy) forms dense green mats in the shade, grows to 8-10 inches, but can be mowed to 2-4 inches.
Geum canadense (white avens) can grow to over 18 inches, but can be mowed to 4 inches. If watered in the summertiime, it will remain evergreen.
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) is evergreen and usually only 2 inches high. It needs water in the summertime to remain evergreen.
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit) is usually 3-4 inches high and can remain evergreen in mild winters.
Rivina humilis (rougeplant) grows 1 to 1.5 feet high and can remain evergreen in mild winters.
Salvia lyrata (lyreleaf sage) is evergreen and can grow to 2 feet but can also be mowed to 4 inches after it has bloomed and its seeds have set.
Packera obovata [syn.=Senecio obovatus] (roundleaf ragwort) is evergreen and can grow up to 2 feet high, but can be mowed to 3 inches after it has flowered and the seeds have set.
Glandularia canadensis [syn. = Verbena canadensis] (rose mock vervain) grows 5-10 inches high in dappled or part shade.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) is an evergreen fern 1-2 feet high that requires moist soil with good drainage—so sand should be ideal.
Thelypteris kunthii (Kunth's maiden fern) usual height is 1.5 feet, but can grow higher. It dies down and becomes dormant after frost. It can grow in the sun but requires more moisture when growing in the sun.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Texas native shade plants for metal troughs in Austin
December 22, 2012 - Interested in finding Texas natives that would do well in metal troughs in the shade.
view the full question and answer
Shade tree for El Paso, Texas
May 18, 2010 - hi there, I am looking to plant a shade tree in front of my house, about 10ft away from my house and about 6ft away from the sidewalk. I live in El Paso TX and I am afraid that the tree roots will int...
view the full question and answer
Shrub or small tree for dappled shade in San Antonio
April 18, 2010 - I'm looking for an attractive bush or small tree that will grow in dry, dappled shade. I'd prefer one that does not form fruit-I don't want the neighborhood skunks visiting my yard.(My dog has been...
view the full question and answer
Shade tree for cemetery in Wilmington DE
September 13, 2009 - We are looking for a shade tree for a cemetery in Delaware. The tree will be planted only a few feet from some existing gravesites. What trees would you recommend that will not interfere with the ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for border garden in shade in Austin
March 15, 2009 - Need suggestion for what to plant in a border garden. We live in northwest Austin and the garden is north-facing and shaded. Currently are oleanders but they don't get enough sun. Also growing are...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |