Native Plants
Flowers and Plants
Central Plains Gardening
Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle
These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are
You often see the same ground covers in use in many residential and commercial landscapes across the country. For partly to mostly shady sites, English ivy (Hedera helix), Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) and periwinkle (Vinca minor) are very popular plants. They cover the ground densely, keeping any other plants from gaining a foothold. This is their function — to provide an uninterrupted sea of green that performs reliably and requires little maintenance. And that is about all you get from these introduced species.
There are a number of drawbacks to these green “carpets.” The first is low biodiversity. These single-species blankets provide no variety needed for a well-functioning ecosystem. Because they are usually cloned species, there is no genetic diversity either. This makes them less resilient when attacked by a pathogen or environmental change. As introduced species, these ground covers are not as supportive of the local wildlife as are regionally native species. While they do provide cover for many animals, they are not as good at providing food for insects and birds.
A third aspect is their visual character. Many of these introduced ground cover species create the same look no matter where they are used. A bed of English ivy looks pretty much the same in Southern California as it does in New England. If the goal is to create a look of another place, well enough. But if you want to create a connection with nature, using regionally native species will do that.
Finally, with aggressive ground-covering plants, there is a risk of escape into unmanaged areas. Concrete edging, wide paths and well-managed beds can keep these aggressive plants in check. In many instances, these introduced species will also grow under a fence or creep onto a neighboring property where their spread can go unchecked.
There are a number of drawbacks to these green “carpets.” The first is low biodiversity. These single-species blankets provide no variety needed for a well-functioning ecosystem. Because they are usually cloned species, there is no genetic diversity either. This makes them less resilient when attacked by a pathogen or environmental change. As introduced species, these ground covers are not as supportive of the local wildlife as are regionally native species. While they do provide cover for many animals, they are not as good at providing food for insects and birds.
A third aspect is their visual character. Many of these introduced ground cover species create the same look no matter where they are used. A bed of English ivy looks pretty much the same in Southern California as it does in New England. If the goal is to create a look of another place, well enough. But if you want to create a connection with nature, using regionally native species will do that.
Finally, with aggressive ground-covering plants, there is a risk of escape into unmanaged areas. Concrete edging, wide paths and well-managed beds can keep these aggressive plants in check. In many instances, these introduced species will also grow under a fence or creep onto a neighboring property where their spread can go unchecked.
Canadian Wild Ginger
(Asarum canadense)
Native from the eastern counties of North Dakota and Oklahoma east to Maine in the north and Georgia in the south
This native perennial can be found growing in rich woodland soils, where it will slowly spread to form a low blanket of glossy green leaves. It can crowd out some less aggressive species. It leafs out in early spring and remains effective through fall, reaching 3 to 6 inches tall.
Other recommended species:
(Asarum canadense)
Native from the eastern counties of North Dakota and Oklahoma east to Maine in the north and Georgia in the south
This native perennial can be found growing in rich woodland soils, where it will slowly spread to form a low blanket of glossy green leaves. It can crowd out some less aggressive species. It leafs out in early spring and remains effective through fall, reaching 3 to 6 inches tall.
Other recommended species:
- British Columbia wild ginger (A. caudatum) would be a good choice for West Coast gardeners.
- In the Southeast, look for plants from the genus Hexastylis.
Green and Gold
(Chrysogonum virginianum)
Native from southern New York state to northern Florida and west to Ohio in the north and eastern Louisiana in the south
This spreading evergreen ground cover forms a dense layer of foliage in partial sunlight and moist soil; however, it can adapt well to dry shade. It spreads by ground-hugging stolons or rhizomes (depending on the variety). In early-to-mid spring, it is covered with bright yellow flowers. I would consider this a moderately aggressive species.
This plant works well with taller perennials and shrubs, like the Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) shown here.
See how to grow green and gold
(Chrysogonum virginianum)
Native from southern New York state to northern Florida and west to Ohio in the north and eastern Louisiana in the south
This spreading evergreen ground cover forms a dense layer of foliage in partial sunlight and moist soil; however, it can adapt well to dry shade. It spreads by ground-hugging stolons or rhizomes (depending on the variety). In early-to-mid spring, it is covered with bright yellow flowers. I would consider this a moderately aggressive species.
This plant works well with taller perennials and shrubs, like the Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) shown here.
See how to grow green and gold
Bigleaf Aster
(Eurybia macrophylla)
Native to eastern North America, from Saskatchewan east to Quebec in the north and from Missouri southeast to Georgia
This is one of the more aggressive perennial ground covers. It begins leafing out in early spring and forms a dense mass of foliage that lasts well into fall. It is one of the earlier blooming native asters, with white to pale lavender flowers opening as early as mid-July. The species spreads by seed and a dense network of underground rhizomes. It likes moist woodland soils but tolerates dry shade.
See how to grow bigleaf aster
(Eurybia macrophylla)
Native to eastern North America, from Saskatchewan east to Quebec in the north and from Missouri southeast to Georgia
This is one of the more aggressive perennial ground covers. It begins leafing out in early spring and forms a dense mass of foliage that lasts well into fall. It is one of the earlier blooming native asters, with white to pale lavender flowers opening as early as mid-July. The species spreads by seed and a dense network of underground rhizomes. It likes moist woodland soils but tolerates dry shade.
See how to grow bigleaf aster
Appalachian Barren Strawberry
(Waldsteinia fragarioides)
Native from Minnesota east to Maine in the north and south to Arkansas and South Carolina
This evergreen ground cover can survive almost any growing condition. It grows best in fertile soil and partial sunlight where it can form a thick weed-smothering layer. Its foliage is similar to that of cultivated strawberries, but the plants grow more closely together. Growing into a mass 4 to 8 inches deep, this may be the best native alternative to Japanese pachysandra for visual effect. Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
In this photo taken at the end of April, you can also see some of the fertile fronds of sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) sticking through. In the background is the umbrella-like foliage of mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), a spring ephemeral.
Other recommended species:
(Waldsteinia fragarioides)
Native from Minnesota east to Maine in the north and south to Arkansas and South Carolina
This evergreen ground cover can survive almost any growing condition. It grows best in fertile soil and partial sunlight where it can form a thick weed-smothering layer. Its foliage is similar to that of cultivated strawberries, but the plants grow more closely together. Growing into a mass 4 to 8 inches deep, this may be the best native alternative to Japanese pachysandra for visual effect. Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
In this photo taken at the end of April, you can also see some of the fertile fronds of sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) sticking through. In the background is the umbrella-like foliage of mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), a spring ephemeral.
Other recommended species:
- Where heat and humidity is higher, consider lobed barren strawberry (W. lobata).
Ferns
For shady sites, it’s hard to beat ferns. Their arching form and interesting foliage work well in many landscape situations. You can find native ferns that do well in dry shade, moist shade — even some ferns for sunny sites.
For shady sites, it’s hard to beat ferns. Their arching form and interesting foliage work well in many landscape situations. You can find native ferns that do well in dry shade, moist shade — even some ferns for sunny sites.
- Eastern hayscented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is one of the more aggressive spreading ferns. Once established, it spreads readily by shallow rhizomes. If spreading is an issue, use it in areas surrounded by hardscape, as shown in this photo. I have used it to fill in under a low deck. It typically grows 18 to 30 inches tall starting in midspring. Part sun to shade is best and, once established, it can handle a wide range of soil moisture. In the fall, it turns golden brown and has the scent of hay when disturbed. It’s native from eastern Canada and Maine, south to Georgia, and west to Arkansas and Wisconsin.
- New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) is a somewhat less aggressive option. It grows under similar conditions as hayscented fern, though it is not as shade-tolerant.
- Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is another aggressive fern. It grows thickly in moist, shady areas. As the name implies, this fern begins to die back at the first frost. The fertile frond often remains intact through the winter. Its native distribution is from North Dakota and Texas to the East Coast.
- Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is a good choice for gardeners in the West.
Grasses and Sedges
See how to grow more grasses and sedges
- Wavy hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa) is a clumping grass, growing 6 to 18 inches tall in average to dry soils in partly to mostly shady locations. It puts up long-lasting flower spikes in spring. It is primarily an eastern native, with a range from eastern Canada and Maine to Minnesota and southward to northern Georgia and Alabama. In this photo, you can compare wavy hairgrass on the right side of the path with its larger relative, tufted hairgrass (D. cespitosa), on the left. Tufted hairgrass has a much wider distribution across North America but is not as shade-tolerant.
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is an excellent choice, with its long silky leaves and tolerance for growing conditions. It does particularly well in the dry shade of oak trees. It has very narrow blades, growing to just about a foot long. These fall over to form silky mounds. This clump-forming sedge spreads by rhizomes, leaving some gaps that can be filled by other plants. It is semievergreen, staying green in mild winters. Its native range is from Quebec and Maine south to northern Georgia and west to Arkansas, North Dakota and Manitoba.
- Rosy sedge (C. rosea) is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania sedge. It grows particularly well in shady locations, even in dry shade. This clump-forming sedge is nearly evergreen, and it has a native range from eastern Canada and Maine to northern Florida and as far west as New Mexico, Wyoming and Manitoba.
See how to grow more grasses and sedges
Allegheny Spurge
(Pachysandra procumbens)
Native from southern Indiana to Louisiana and northern Florida, with isolated populations as far north as Connecticut
This is the North American analog of Japanese pachysandra. This species is not as aggressive as the imported species. Its blue-gray foliage spreads slowly from tight clumps, allowing it to mix well with other woodland plants. Its leaves will redden as winter approaches. In mild winters, these leaves will remain all year. In the spring, it puts out a flush of spicy scented blooms followed by a new flush of leaves.
(Pachysandra procumbens)
Native from southern Indiana to Louisiana and northern Florida, with isolated populations as far north as Connecticut
This is the North American analog of Japanese pachysandra. This species is not as aggressive as the imported species. Its blue-gray foliage spreads slowly from tight clumps, allowing it to mix well with other woodland plants. Its leaves will redden as winter approaches. In mild winters, these leaves will remain all year. In the spring, it puts out a flush of spicy scented blooms followed by a new flush of leaves.
Golden ragwort
(Packera aurea)
Native to the eastern U.S., from Maine to South Carolina and west to Texas and Minnesota, and in Canada from Newfoundland west to Manitoba
This is another quite aggressive North American native. This species spreads thickly in moist, partly to mostly shady locations. Its spread is tempered in drier locations, particularly if there is more sun. In addition to the dense year-round foliage, golden ragwort puts on an intense display of bright yellow flowers for several weeks in midspring. There are other species of ragworts native to other parts of North America, some garden worthy and others are less so.
See how to grow golden ragwort
(Packera aurea)
Native to the eastern U.S., from Maine to South Carolina and west to Texas and Minnesota, and in Canada from Newfoundland west to Manitoba
This is another quite aggressive North American native. This species spreads thickly in moist, partly to mostly shady locations. Its spread is tempered in drier locations, particularly if there is more sun. In addition to the dense year-round foliage, golden ragwort puts on an intense display of bright yellow flowers for several weeks in midspring. There are other species of ragworts native to other parts of North America, some garden worthy and others are less so.
See how to grow golden ragwort
Virginia Creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Ubiquitous throughout eastern North America, with native populations extending as far west as Utah and Saskatchewan
This vigorous woody vine can grow as a ground cover, or it can climb trees or other structures. It uses tendrils with small suckers to grab hold of surfaces as it climbs.
It is often confused with poison ivy, but it is easily distinguished by its typical five-parted leaf. Near the tip of the vine, it occasionally has three leaflets, but tracing back along the vine will reveal the normal five-parted leaves. In the early fall, the leaves turn bright red before falling off.
As a ground cover, this vine should be used with other vigorous plants, particularly ones tall enough to get above the foliage, or with spring ephemerals, which complete their growing season before the Virginia creeper fully leafs out. Pruning and pulling up vines is the best way to control its spread.
Other recommended species:
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Ubiquitous throughout eastern North America, with native populations extending as far west as Utah and Saskatchewan
This vigorous woody vine can grow as a ground cover, or it can climb trees or other structures. It uses tendrils with small suckers to grab hold of surfaces as it climbs.
It is often confused with poison ivy, but it is easily distinguished by its typical five-parted leaf. Near the tip of the vine, it occasionally has three leaflets, but tracing back along the vine will reveal the normal five-parted leaves. In the early fall, the leaves turn bright red before falling off.
As a ground cover, this vine should be used with other vigorous plants, particularly ones tall enough to get above the foliage, or with spring ephemerals, which complete their growing season before the Virginia creeper fully leafs out. Pruning and pulling up vines is the best way to control its spread.
Other recommended species:
- Grape woodbine (P. vitacea) is a similar species, though it lacks the suction disks, making it unable to climb up walls or other smooth surfaces. Its native range covers all but the southeastern quarter of the U.S.
Creeping Phlox
(Phlox stolonifera)
Native from northern Georgia to Maine and as far west as Kentucky
This ground-hugging, nearly evergreen perennial puts up 8-inch-tall white to lavender flower spikes in early-to-mid spring. It grows so close to the ground that it does not interfere with most other garden plants. It does tolerate full sun but does better in shadier locations with average levels of moisture.
Here, creeping phlox is in full bloom in the foreground. Other North American natives in this naturalistic planting include foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) and red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
(Phlox stolonifera)
Native from northern Georgia to Maine and as far west as Kentucky
This ground-hugging, nearly evergreen perennial puts up 8-inch-tall white to lavender flower spikes in early-to-mid spring. It grows so close to the ground that it does not interfere with most other garden plants. It does tolerate full sun but does better in shadier locations with average levels of moisture.
Here, creeping phlox is in full bloom in the foreground. Other North American natives in this naturalistic planting include foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) and red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
Violets
(Viola spp.)
There is a wide variety of violets native to North America. Some are available in native plant nurseries, but many may already be growing where you live now. My advice is to embrace them and encourage them to fill in the gaps.
More:
‘Terroir’ Brings a Sense of Place to Your Landscape
Browse plants native to more regions of the U.S.
(Viola spp.)
There is a wide variety of violets native to North America. Some are available in native plant nurseries, but many may already be growing where you live now. My advice is to embrace them and encourage them to fill in the gaps.
- Downy yellow violet (V. pubescens) is one of the more common yellow violets of eastern North America. It ranges from Nova Scotia and Maine south to northern Georgia and west to Texas, Wyoming and Saskatchewan. It has relatively large fuzzy leaves that come out in early spring, followed by bright yellow flowers. Plants spread by both seed and rhizomes. This species does well in part to full shade and average to moist soils.
- Common blue violet (V. sororia, syn. V. papilionacea) is just that: a common, somewhat weedy violet that can spread by seeds and creeping rhizomes. Pair it with other somewhat aggressive ground covers to keep it in check. It can handle full sun to shade in moist to average soils. It grows in the wild from Quebec and Maine down to Florida and across North America to Texas, North Dakota and Saskatchewan.
More:
‘Terroir’ Brings a Sense of Place to Your Landscape
Browse plants native to more regions of the U.S.
In general, the foliage on these plants grows to only a foot or so tall and rarely exceeds 3 feet, so they don’t block the view through the landscape. About half of these could be considered evergreen, based on their performance in USDA Zone 6 gardens. Some won’t hold their foliage through the winter in colder climates.