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_43.gif)
Tuesday - February 24, 2015
From: Charleston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Lists, Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Short, Shady Plants for South Carolina
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I have a shady part of my mother's garden that doesn't drain very well. Do you have any suggestions as to what type of flowers or plants (preferably native to S.C.) that aren't red that might grow here? I'd like it to be rather short and fairly self-sustaining, if that isn't to much to ask!ANSWER:
There are a good number of short native plants that grow in moist shade in South Carolina for you to consider. The challenge will be to find the most self-sustaining suggestion for your mother's garden. To start, head to the Native Plant Database and select: South Carolina, Herb, Perennial, Shade, Wet and 1-3 Feet for the search criteria.
Some of the plants that fit this criteria (and hopefully are fairly self-sustaining) include:
Actaea pachypoda (white baneberry) Note: The fruit is poisonous.
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit)
Athyrium filix-femina (common ladyfern)
Caltha palustris (yellow marsh marigold)
Enemion biternatum (Eastern false rue anemone)
Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
Lysimachia ciliata (fringed loosestrife)
Zephyranthes atamasca (atamasco lily)
You may also want to search for shrubs or subshrubs in the Native Plant Database too.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Are Brown-eyed susans and Black-eyed susans the same species?
December 02, 2014 - Are Brown eyed Susans the same as the Black-eyed Susan? I've read that they are both common names for the same plant, but the flower looks slightly different in different regions. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for Murphy NC Clay
August 24, 2012 - I live on a ridge in Murphy NC. The property has trees so most of the land is in partial shade. The soil is good 'ole mountain red clay. I have some steep bankings in front of the house that I wou...
view the full question and answer
Digging wild buttercup from roadside in Mechanicsville MD
May 28, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants, is it illegal to dig out wild buttercup in Maryland? I see them along the dirt road or just in the ditch. Since buttercup considered weed, I'm wondering what the law say about this...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on Germination
July 23, 2004 - I just planted wildflowers and I was wondering how long before I know if they will grow?
view the full question and answer
Dandelions in bluebonnets in Bastrop TX
May 31, 2012 - I have a 20'x60' front yard area where I planted bluebonnets. It has become horrifically inundated with dandelions.
How do I eradicate the dandelions while preserving the bluebonnets ?
Thanks ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |