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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 04, 2009
From: Albany, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Grasses for creek area near Abilene, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have constructed several low water crossings on a live creek in the Abilene,Texas area and need to find out the best grass to plant to hold secure the soil and keep down erosion. The creek does runs once a year or so. The areas I am trying to plant are about 70% sunlight and it is possible for me to water the seed until established.ANSWER:
Below are some native grasses that all occur in or near Taylor County that should be be ideal for application to your low water crossings.Andropogon glomeratus (bushy bluestem)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass)
Setaria leucopila (streambed bristlegrass) with more information
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush) is not technically a grass (it is a rush), but it should be very good for areas that stay moist most of the year.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Erosion Control with perennials for a shady Dallas bank
July 25, 2013 - Thank you for your help with turf or perennials on a shaded bank, 4000 sq ft, for the Dallas area that has good roots, grows in semi shade to shade, is on a steep bank so cannot mow, and flowers the l...
view the full question and answer
Container plants for Yakima WA
May 11, 2013 - My condo complex has purchased large, pottery pots for around our pool. I need to choose low maintenance plants. hopefully something that takes limited water, etc.
view the full question and answer
Controlling switchgrass in Fredericksburg TX
June 12, 2010 - How do you kill switch grass..too much has grown on our property. Originally planted to stop erosion due to oak wilted trees lost on hill behind house, which worked,but now it is everywhere.
view the full question and answer
Ground covers for a shady spot in central Texas
February 23, 2016 - I reside in Austin, Texas and need advice on my xeriscaping project. Portions of my front yard have always been a challenge to get grass to grow, so I have xeriscaped that area with Fairland Pink gran...
view the full question and answer
Watering grass, before or after cutting it
August 21, 2008 - Should I water my grass before or after cutting it, after it has not been watered in a few days along with dry times?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |