Native Plants

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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Friday - June 11, 2010

From: El Cajon, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Erosion Control, Groundcovers
Title: Replacing non-native iceplant in El Cajon CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Help! We are clearing fungus dead iceplant on a massive steep bank. Should I avoid replacing it with more iceplant? Would myaporum prostrate be a better option? Fast growing, erosion resistant, zero maintenance & minimal water usage are our goals.

ANSWER:

In our Native Plant Database, there is a plant. Verbesina virginica (white crownbeard), of which "iceplant" is one of its half a dozen common names, although it is commonly known as "Frostweed."

We are pretty sure that is not the plant you are referring to, but rather a succulent, native to South Africa, Delosperma cooperi, also with the common name "iceplant." Since we do not deal in non-natives to North America, it will not appear in our Native Plant Database, but we found this site from Paghat's Garden, Delosperma cooperii that has some good information.

From Arizona Wildflowers, this site on native to Australia Myoporum parvifolium has some pictures and information.