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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Monday - September 21, 2009
From: Chevy Chase, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for Maryland to replace English ivy
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is a suitable ground cover native replacement for english ivy? Native to Maryland.ANSWER:
Hooray for you for replacing your English ivy (Hedera helix)! Here are several possible alternatives. Since I don't know your growing conditions (e.g., available sunlight, moisture, etc.) you will need to read the "Growing Conditions" for each plant to be sure that they match your site.Shrubs:
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick) evergreen
Empetrum nigrum (black crowberry) evergreen
Cornus canadensis (bunchberry dogwood)
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry) evergreen
Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry) evergreen
Perennial herbs:
Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger)
Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) evergreen
Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny-spurge) semi-evergreen
Chrysogonum virginianum (green and gold) semi-evergreen
Ferns:
Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair)
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) evergreen
Grasses/sedges:
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge)
Carex texensis (Texas sedge) evergreen
You can look through our Maryland Recommended list for other possibilities.
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