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)
Sunday - June 10, 2012
From: Guilford, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Plant Lists
Title: Plants for property in Connecticut adjacent to a salt marsh
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi - I live on property adjacent to a salt marsh. The salt marsh leads out to Long Island Sound. I would like to plant non-invasive native plants of Guilford, Connecticut. I do not know what plants would be acceptable and not harmful to wildlife, etc. My goal for these plants is to hide view of my neighbors house (which is built on stilts). That being said some of the plants would need to have height. THANK YOU!ANSWER:
We have a Connecticut Recommended list of commercially available native plants suitable for landscaping in your state and our Native Plant Database has wonderful information about plant characteristics, growing conditions, etc., that can be sorted by state or province occurrence. One thing our database doesn't have is information about the salt tolerance (soil content or salt spray) of various plants and since you live adjacent to a salt marsh, I think this is something you need to know. I have found a very good resource from the University of Connecticut, Connecticut Coastal Planting Guide, that gives us this information. Here are some recommendations from this list that are salt tolerant. Some also occur on our Connecticut Recommended list:
TREES
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny service-berry)
Pinus rigida (Pitch pine) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Quercus alba (White oak) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Quercus stellata (Post oak) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Sassafras albidum (Sassafras) listed as tolerant by some sources. Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
SHRUBS
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick) is evergreen.
Baccharis halimifolia (Groundseltree)
Iva frutescens (High-tide bush). Here are photos and more information from Plants of Southern New Jersey and Duke University.
Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush blueberry). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Viburnum dentatum (Southern arrowwood)
HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL PLANTS
Limonium carolinianum (Carolina sealavender)
Solidago sempervirens (Seaside goldenrod). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
PERENNIAL GRASSES
Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem). Also shown on the Connecticut Recommended list.
Ammophila breviligulata (American beach grass)
You can find other possibilities for salt tolerant plants on the Connecticut Coastal Planting Guide and look up more information about them by entering their botanical name in our Native Plant Database.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Drought resistant flowering plants for Spring, TX
January 25, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants. I live in Spring Tx. and wanted to plant a garden in my front yard. I'm looking for flowering plants that are colorful, easy to manage, and drought resistant but so far can't fi...
view the full question and answer
Native perennials for Missouri City, TX
March 19, 2014 - I checked all the questions for my area and still need help. What are some native perennials for southeast Texas
view the full question and answer
Screening Plants for Cape Cod
June 17, 2014 - I need to plant some fairly high growing leafy plants/bushes/trees for privacy and as a sound barrier in (the remains of) a pine forest in Cape Cod, MA. The pines grow tall and skinny so that we can s...
view the full question and answer
Native plant list for Haltom City, TX
September 12, 2013 - We're planning a native plant demonstration garden and need help. Can you email me a list of plants that will grow well in North Central Texas. We need to include those that will grow in full sun, sh...
view the full question and answer
New York City Native Perennials for a Long Growing Season
May 31, 2013 - Which native New York City perennials would be best for the longest growing season?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |