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 - February 24, 2010
From: charlotte, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Non-invasive, modest-sized shrub for driveway edge
Answered by: Jackie OKeefe
QUESTION:
I need a hedge type plant for the end of driveway so cars know how far they can drive in. I would like them to be 3'-5' and the roots not to be too heavy that they raise wood barrier or grow under gravel.ANSWER:
Here are some suggestions. They were generated by going to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database, clicking on Recommended Species, and selecting North Carolina on the US map, limiting the search to shrubs and winnowing out species that might fit the site. The plants chosen are suited to a variety of soils, drainage and sunlight conditions, since you haven't specified those parameters. In addition to our suggestions there is a link below to a list of recommended native plants for North and South Carolina from the North Carolina Native Plant Society.
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)
www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Callicarpa%20americana.pdf
Comptonia peregrina (sweet fern)
Fothergilla gardenii (dwarf witchalder)
www.longwoodgardens.org/docs/research/FothergillaANM.pdf
Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort)
Lantana urticoides (West Indian shrubverbena)
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)
Zenobia pulverulenta (honeycup)
Plant Native for North and South Carolina
More Shrubs Questions
Small shrub for Point Richmond CA
August 19, 2013 - I'm looking for a plant that grows 4-6 feet tall, but not too wide (more than 2-3 feet). I'd like it to be flowering (any color but white and preferably not red). It will be located between a salvi...
view the full question and answer
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012 - What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
view the full question and answer
Identification of evergreen bush with red berries
March 17, 2016 - I am a beekeeper and today I took some pictures of a bush about 8 ft. tall in my neighbors yard. My bees are all over the tiny white flowers. It appears to be an evergreen bush because it has foliag...
view the full question and answer
Shape of common ninebark in Canton MI
April 24, 2010 - I have planted one center glow ninebark in a triangular area in between my front walk and driveway. It looks a little odd just having one plant, but I originally did this b/c of the mature plant heig...
view the full question and answer
Cenizo safe for consumption by parrots from Phoenix AZ
April 30, 2012 - Could you tell me if Cenizo, (Leucophyllum frutescens) branches and leaves can be fed to pets? (parrots)I read the leaves were often used for tea for humans, but can't find an information if safe fo...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |