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)
Sunday - June 10, 2012
From: Guilford, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Lists
Title: Plants for property in Connecticut adjacent to a salt marsh
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi - I live on property adjacent to a salt marsh. The salt marsh leads out to Long Island Sound. I would like to plant non-invasive native plants of Guilford, Connecticut. I do not know what plants would be acceptable and not harmful to wildlife, etc. My goal for these plants is to hide view of my neighbors house (which is built on stilts). That being said some of the plants would need to have height. THANK YOU!ANSWER:
We have a Connecticut Recommended list of commercially available native plants suitable for landscaping in your state and our Native Plant Database has wonderful information about plant characteristics, growing conditions, etc., that can be sorted by state or province occurrence. One thing our database doesn't have is information about the salt tolerance (soil content or salt spray) of various plants and since you live adjacent to a salt marsh, I think this is something you need to know. I have found a very good resource from the University of Connecticut, Connecticut Coastal Planting Guide, that gives us this information. Here are some recommendations from this list that are salt tolerant. Some also occur on our Connecticut Recommended list:
TREES
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny service-berry)
Pinus rigida (Pitch pine) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Quercus alba (White oak) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Quercus stellata (Post oak) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Sassafras albidum (Sassafras) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
SHRUBS
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) is evergreen.
Baccharis halimifolia (Groundseltree)
Iva frutescens (High-tide bush). Here are photos and more information from Plants of Southern New Jersey and Duke University.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Viburnum dentatum (Southern arrowwood)
HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL PLANTS
Limonium carolinianum (Carolina sealavender)
Solidago sempervirens (Seaside goldenrod). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
PERENNIAL GRASSES
Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Ammophila breviligulata (American beach grass)
You can find other possibilities for salt tolerant plants on the Connecticut Coastal Planting Guide and look up more information about them by entering their botanical name in our Native Plant Database.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Native Perennials for Bees and Butterflies in VA
April 15, 2015 - What native perennial plants and trees can we plant to help honey bees and butterfly larvae in Harrisonburg, VA?
view the full question and answer
Privacy Screen for Heavy Clay and Full Sun in Louisiana
April 19, 2013 - What would be a fast-growing plant for privacy in Louisiana? I have heavy clay and full sun.
view the full question and answer
Plants Needed for a Shaded, Rocky Slope in Alabama
July 06, 2016 - I live in Alabama where the soil is clay and rocky. I've tried planting on a rocky slope I have but, it's also shaded. Not even Juniper will survive on this slope. I've spent thousands of dollars tryi...
view the full question and answer
Native Plants for Colorado
March 05, 2013 - Please advise me where I can find a list of native plants for the Castle Rock, Colorado area. This is for a home garden landscaping initiative.
view the full question and answer
Landscape planning in Plano TX
February 23, 2012 - I am devouring everything on your website and am so grateful that you put your knowledge and experience out there for all of us. Thank you!!
I am trying to make a landscape plan for our Plano, TX b...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |