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
Friday - July 08, 2016
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants for a moist, shady spot in central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I am looking for a plant that will grow in almost full shade with plenty of moisture along a fence. We are looking at putting down some flagstone with possibly some moss growing in between, but we don't want it to take over the St. Augustine that is in the rest of the lawn. Thank you!ANSWER:
I guess that you are looking for plants that are relatively low-growing near the flagstones. If you go to our Native Plant Database page and click on Combination Search you can enter the parameters that suit your needs and get a list of species that may be suitable.
I have taken a few species from that listing that I know do well in central Texas. Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf sage), Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden columbine), Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana (Hinckley's golden columbine), Packera obovata (Golden groundsel), Scutellaria ovata (Heartleaf skullcap), Thelypteris kunthii (Wood fern), Carex amphibola (Creek sedge), Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage) and Ruellia humilis (Low wild petunia). These plants thrive in shady and moist sites.
Many of these species should be available at plant nurseries in your area. Examples are Barton Creek Nursery and the Natural Gardener in the Austin vicinity.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Flowers under pine trees from Elkhart Indiana
May 02, 2013 - I have a number of pine trees at the back of my lot and would like to plant flowers under the tree. What can I plant?
view the full question and answer
Native plants for sandy soil and not much water
April 14, 2008 - I am planning a new garden at home and would like to grow native plants that can handle sandy soil and don't need much water. I do not water my gardens.I would prefer plants that can have more than o...
view the full question and answer
Identity of blue sage-like plant blooming in September in Lubbock TX
November 07, 2014 - This has bothered me for years. It looks like a miniature version of Salvia azure. About a foot talk with multiple stems. Flowering in September. Grows on the hillsides overlooking Buddy Holly Lak...
view the full question and answer
Shade tolerant plants for erosion from Austin
May 03, 2014 - I live in Austin and my house backs up to Shoal Creek. I am looking for a native creeping vine or something that will grow on the shaded bank to help prevent erosion. It should be able to tolerate the...
view the full question and answer
Visual differences among members of the Apiaceae
July 21, 2012 - What is the visual difference between queen anne's lace and hemlock and cowslip parsley?
I live in Marin county, California and have often been confused as to which is what?
Thank you!
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |