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)
Wednesday - July 02, 2014
From: Albany, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant
Title: Groundcover for part shade in Albany NY
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello! I'm looking for: a native ground cover, mostly shade with only some morning sun, on a slope, edible is preferred but not necessity, mostly clay type soil for the Albany, NY area. Thanks for your help!ANSWER:
The following are native plants that grow in Albany County, New York or an adjacent county and would make good groundcovers:
Carex blanda (Eastern woodland sedge) Here is more information from Evergreen Native Plant Database.
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry) is edible. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Lycopodium digitatum (Fan clubmoss) Here is more information from Plants of Southern New Jersey.
Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox) Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Potentilla simplex (Common cinquefoil) is edible. Here is more information from Alternative Nature Online Herbal.
Rubus pubescens (Dwarf red blackberry) is edible but needs moisture to grow well. Here is more information from Northern Ontario Plant Database.
Sedum ternatum (Woodland stonecrop) Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
From the Image Gallery
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Native shade trees for Austin
May 15, 2009 - I am building a new home that does not have any trees close by-- I want to have several shade trees to increase the efficiency of my home. What are your suggestions for an easy care, fast-growing, an...
view the full question and answer
Hedge for a shady spot
November 12, 2010 - In the Statesman you recently provided good suggestions about a privacy screen. I need a hedge that will grow under a huge old oak tree. Will wax myrtle or red cedar work for us? I have yaupon and m...
view the full question and answer
ground covers for shady areas in New York City
June 27, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: What would be the best ground covers for big shady areas in New York City instead of lawns?
view the full question and answer
Shrub for part shade for hedge in Holly Ridge NC
April 07, 2010 - We live in Coastal NC. We would like a type of shrub for the front of our home which is partial shade, similar style to a boxwood or trainable hedge. What NC native would compare?
view the full question and answer
Philadelphus ernestii under live oak in Pflugerville TX
April 05, 2010 - Will Philadelphus ernestii thrive in the root zone of live oak, or would the oak inhibit its growth? I'd like to plant it just at the edge of the canopy.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |