Virgina Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Most other native groundcovers spread more slowly. The Friends of the Wild Flower Garden, Inc.; Xerces Society Plants for Pollinators: Violets, Native Ground Covers of Western Pennsylvania for Lawn Alternatives, North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development: Riparian Buffer, Native Ground Covers, Vines, and Herbaceous Perennials for Riparian Buffers in Northern New Jersey Watersheds. Green-and-gold spreads by rhizomes in optimum conditions which include well-drained soils. Excessively planted because of their uniformity, state of perpetual greenness, and alleged low maintenance, English ivy and its cronies have wreaked havoc across North America. You’ll find that the following native plants can satisfy most, if not all, of your ground-covering gardening objectives. The stems also root easily.Host Plant Info: Known as a host plant for four native caterpillars.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: MoistNatural Habitat: “Overall the species occurs in cove forests, mesic to dry-mesic slope forests, well-drained alluvial forests, and crevices of shaded rock outcrops. The clumping forms do not remain static in my garden and I often read the recommendation to plant densely then divide and move them every few years. Be the first to learn of limited-time sales, Golden ragwort self-sows so vigorously that you don’t have to install many plants initially. In addition, many varieties of evergreen groundcover have fibrous roots that help limit soil erosion. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Learn about specific ground covers: Asarum canadense (Common or Canadian Wild Ginger) Chrysogonum virginianum (Green-and-Gold) Eurybia divaricata (White Wood Aster) Heuchera villosa (Hairy Alumroot) Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris) Mitchella repens (Partridge-berry) Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly-pear) Pachysandra … I think it’s one of the showiest of the early bloomers. Grow it in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. In spring the inconspicuous reddish flowers bloom underneath the foliage. Happy wildlife gardening! But first! Doug Tallamy’s research indicates it is not.More Information: Virginia Native Plant Society’s 2010 Wildflower of the Year; USDA Forest Service Wildflower Plant of the Week, Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Mesic to dry upland forests and woodlands; usually in moderately to strongly base-rich soils.”*Comments: Against bright green foliage, pretty yellow flowers bloom in the spring and sporadically until summer. I list this adaptable deciduous vine as a great ground cover because it rapidly carpets an area, provides hiding places for small critters, has beautiful foliage (especially in autumn), supports our sphinx moth caterpillars, and if allowed to climb, produces fruit in sync with fall migrating birds. Think trees! You don’t have to settle on these narcissistic garden center plants because there are many better, more benevolent options: native alternatives that help instead of harm our planet. Dark green foliage is dotted with 1-inch-wide daisies, whose white petals and golden yellow centers add welcoming color to the Southwest’s garden palette. Seeds. • Pimelea prostrata. I like Sedum ternatum because in a garden setting it spreads at a good pace and is easy to lift and relocate to other areas. With dark green leaves and dainty white flowers, this plant practically glows in the shade when it blooms in late summer. Low ground cover plants compete poorly with weeds. It keeps a wonderful tight habit. Brachyscome White Wash Read more. PO Box 5907 Greensboro, NC 27435; The Society is a charitable membership organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. These because they are native, they help to contribute to our ecology by supporting the food web. Are you searching for stabilization on a slope? Its natural habitats include swamp hummocks, floodplain forests, and varied mesic to dry upland forests. For although these ground-huggers are undeniably popular, we know that doesn’t mean they’re good choices for our gardens. Low growing, it spreads by stolons and forms colonies over time. Prairie dropseed gets only about 3 feet … (ASARUM CANADENSE) A healthy colony of common wild ginger flanks a path leading to a lower garden. Additionally, tree canopies will slow down heavy rains and help reduce storm runoff. This species is undeniably more special: it was hybridized with a South American variety to produce the cultivated grocery store fruit we know and enjoy.Host Plant Info: Supports Mid-Atlantic native bee pollen specialist Andrena melanochroa; also host to at least 75 Lepidoptera caterpillars including the gray hairstreak butterfly and the grizzled skipper.More Information: Lake Forest College, Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: MoistNatural Habitat: “Floodplain forests, mesic to occasionally dry-mesic upland forests, seepage swamps, fens, seeps, stream banks, tidal swamps, and moist meadows; most frequent and numerous in moderately to strongly base-rich soils.”*Comments: This is the native plant that is most commonly recommended as an alternative to English ivy in shady locations. Additionally, tree canopies will slow down heavy rains and help reduce storm runoff. The tiny white flowers bloom in spring and the fruit develops a short time later. Back in 2012, we highlighted four favorite groundcovers: Thyme, wild ginger, ajuga and sweet woodruff.… Seed. I’ve come across wild stonecrop growing on sloped woods with Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) and although it was not a dense growth, it was nonetheless enchanting. The sight of white daisies brightens anyone’s day, and those on this native ground cover certainly don’t disappoint. Begin your search for ground covers by observing what grows well now in your yard. Yes, it’s a little weedy and ordinary, but why not enjoy its wildlife value, lovely foliage, pretty springtime violet flowers and its willingness to reseed rampantly? PLANT NATIVE GROUND COVERS & MAKE AMERICA GREEN AGAIN. 3 Westringia fruticosa ‘€˜Flat’€˜n’Fruity’. Wild ginger needs well-drained, rich soil; planting it in heavy clay may shorten its life. It’s perfect for wildlife cover.Host Plant Info: Host to three Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia; Connecticut Botanical Society, Light Requirement: Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, shaded outcrops, well-drained floodplain forests, seepage swamps, and fens.”*Comments: White wood aster is the tallest growing of all the flowering plants listed here and it’s one of my favorites because of how resilient and handsome it is. It climbs by tendrils with adhesive tips so it doesn’t need support and as another attribute, Virginia creeper does not damage walls. It will rapidly clamber up and over everything including trees, shrubs and idle husbands. Less than a foot high ground cover plants that are native to California. I say this because it features bright yellow daisy flowers that bloom over an extended period … Plus the offspring are easy to lift and share. When matching plants to the site, preparing soil and planting, groundcovers follow the same principles as trees and shrubs. Have the soil tested and properly prepare the soil in terms of pH, nutrient levels, drainage, and aeration. It will creep into lawn. Deer and rabbits browse the foliage—but there never seems to be a shortage of leaves.Host Plant Info: Host to at least 32 different species of butterfly and moth caterpillars including our delightful hummingbird moths.More Information: Maryland Native Plant Society’s Wildflower in Focus; Virginia Tech Dept. ; Ground covers offer a number of ways to lower yard maintenance.They fight erosion and suppress weeds. Ideally, a groundcover should include several species combined to create a beautiful tapestry of foliage and blooms, offering a long season of interest to humans and … They easily escape into natural areas and outcompete our essential native plants for resources and, as in the case of English ivy, can climb and smother trees. Westringia variety are another highly versatile Australian native that suits a wide variety of uses ranging from expansive groundcover, to colourful formal hedges, box gardens, retaining walls or as an ornamental shrub. Low ground covers are useful in small spots, borders, or to lower the edges of larger ground covers. Mulch is an option but for a longer term solution why not try one of these tried and tested native groundcover plants. I especially like that golden ragwort supports so many of our insects.Host Plant Info: Supports Mid-Atlantic pollen specialist bee Andrena gardineri; host to 17 Lepidoptera species.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Wet, Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Ubiquitous in an extraordinary range of wet to very dry, forested to open habitats; tolerant of a range of soil types, tolerant of deep flooding, capable of rooting in deep outcrop crevices and boulder-field interstices that exclude other plants; scarce at the highest elevations.”*Comments: Virginia creeper is not for everyone or for everyone’s garden. Supports Mid-Atlantic native bee pollen specialists. These natives possess many of the traits that gardeners look for in a groundcover. Classifying a native plant as a good ground cover often means it is rhizomatous in nature; it spreads easily and forms colonies, in turn holding soil in place. Native Groundcovers for Full Sun. Because of the colour of its foliage, this groundcover can be planted with almost anything. These introduced plants are also designated as invasive in the Mid-Atlantic and in other parts of our country. Consider planting North American native plants as ground covers. Happy in poor soil, dwarf cinquefoil spreads relatively quickly by runners. A member of the Pipevine family, Wild Ginger is a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. The dainty masses of flowers attract tiny insects.Host Plant Info: None known.More Information: Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Light Requirement: Sun, Part Shade, ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist, DryNatural Habitat: “Mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and well-drained alluvial forests; more characteristic of old fields, clearings, meadows, pastures, roadsides, and other open, disturbed habitats.”*Comments: Wild strawberry is a wonderful, underused perennial plant that spreads quickly by runners in shade or sun. The reasons for including evergreen groundcover plants in your garden are many. BLUE GEM™. Read on to learn what would work best for you. It tolerates periodic flooding as well as drought; note that it’ll want more shade in dry soils. Australian Native Ground Cover Range by Plant Native! Mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, shaded outcrops, well-drained floodplain forests, seepage swamps, and fens. The handsome flat, shiny leaves cover the ground, so most weeds can’t penetrate. They require less maintenance and less fertilizer. Insects are attracted to the flowers. Aussie Crawl Read more. While it may be one of the toughest (er, tolerant) plants out there, Lily of the Valley looks as... 2 Creeping Thyme. Consider not growing it on the edge of a pristine lawn if you aren’t willing to hand pull the volunteers. Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet) spreads prolifically by self-seeding and may be another source of free but aggressive groundcover. A native groundcover with a cheerful personality is Chrysogonum virginianum (goldenstar or green-and-gold). Virginia Native Plant Society’s 2010 Wildflower of the Year; USDA Forest Service Wildflower Plant of the Week, Virginia Native Plant Society-Jefferson Chapter, Maryland Native Plant Society’s Wildflower in Focus, Virginia Tech Dept. It seemed to have all the virtues of a handsome groundcover plant, and I've wondered ever since why I don't encounter it more often in gardens. Think big. These are some common reasons why we choose ground covers: √  aesthetics√  erosion control√  lower maintenance√  weed suppression√  wildlife habitat. Ground cover plants certainly need not be limited to grass. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that fill in quickly to make a dense carpet of foliage. Asters are known to be aggressive self sowers in garden conditions; Eurybia divaricata is no exception and it also spreads by rhizomes. And, as with all natives, you'll get the added benefit of helping pollinators. The success of many invasive plants is due to this means of spreading. Think trees! Creeping phloxes generally grow six to eight inches high and can take partial shade to full sun. Evergreen foliage provides visual interest all year round. 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