Ground cover for shade/stabilization - Ask Extension
I’m looking for a ground cover to stabilize a shady, steep, forested hillside. Mostly deep shade, dry because of runoff of rain, erosion issues alre...
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Ground cover for shade/stabilization #865868
Asked April 25, 2024, 11:57 AM EDT
I’m looking for a ground cover to stabilize a shady, steep, forested hillside. Mostly deep shade, dry because of runoff of rain, erosion issues already a problem. Fast coverage, low maintenance, deer resistant desirable. A work crew recently cut tree roots at the base of the hil (see photos)l, which I’m sure means we lose those trees in time, but we need to try something now to keep the entire hill from eroding away. I’ve already looked at your list of ground covers, and am unfamiliar with pussy toes, about the only one that ticks every box. What would be your top 5 recommendations?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Chris,
I'm not sure there are 5 plants that fit all your criteria.
In your situation, I would focus on the light and water requirements: dry shade.
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) and Arthyrium felix-femina (Lady fern) will tolerate deep dry shade, although they are not ground covers per se.
Pussytoes do fit all the requirements, but may be difficult to locate at local nurseries. You may have to go online for a source.
Pachysandra procumbens (Alleghany spurge) is a true groundcover and will tolerate dense shade, but prefers a moist soil. That is also true for Asarum canadense (American wild ginger). Either of these might do well at the bottom of the hill versus the top.
Unfortunately, many of the common plants that fit all your criteria are also non-native invasives and should be avoided: e.g. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge), English ivy and vinca vine.
Hope this helps.
Judy
I'm not sure there are 5 plants that fit all your criteria.
In your situation, I would focus on the light and water requirements: dry shade.
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) and Arthyrium felix-femina (Lady fern) will tolerate deep dry shade, although they are not ground covers per se.
Pussytoes do fit all the requirements, but may be difficult to locate at local nurseries. You may have to go online for a source.
Pachysandra procumbens (Alleghany spurge) is a true groundcover and will tolerate dense shade, but prefers a moist soil. That is also true for Asarum canadense (American wild ginger). Either of these might do well at the bottom of the hill versus the top.
Unfortunately, many of the common plants that fit all your criteria are also non-native invasives and should be avoided: e.g. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge), English ivy and vinca vine.
Hope this helps.
Judy
