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_40.gif)
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.
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcover for Lighthouse Point FL
April 13, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants:
I am looking for mowable ground cover for part of my back yard. Due to a Mahogany tree, a hammock, surrounding foliage and a fence, there is alot of shade in the area, alon...
view the full question and answer
Lawn for a Shady & Wet area in Austin, TX
July 22, 2015 - We have a drainage area that has appeared in our back yard since the neighbors’ homes were built. When we get heavy rains (like this year) all their drainage flows into our back yard and forms a river...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin
May 02, 2007 - I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these condi...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for shade in Duval County, Florida
September 17, 2014 - What low growing ground cover would be good for a lake edge area. This area is shaded with overlying woodland type trees. I planted some autumn ferns but they have getting overrun with poison ivy. I a...
view the full question and answer
Looking for cover
June 18, 2007 - I live iin Schaumburg, IL and have a difficult spot (extreme sun and heat in summer (South Side of house). I'm looking for a very short ground cover - < or + to 6 inchees. Does Arabis hirsuta fit t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |