Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Groundcover for shade in San Antonio
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus
Mr. Smarty Plants thinks that this sounds like a job for sedges. Here are a few suggested ones:
Carex planostachys (cedar sedge)
Some broadleaf possibilities are:
Calyptocarpus vialis (Straggler daisy)
Salvia lyrata, (Lyre-leaf sage)
Native flowering vine for trellis in shade in Henrico, VA
April 07, 2010 - I live in Henrico, Virginia and have a trellis in a shady area. I am looking for a native vine to grow, preferably one that flowers and attracts birds and/or butterflies. What do you advise?
view the full question and answer
Native grasses to accompany buffalograss in shade
May 01, 2008 - What grass goes with buffalo for shade/partial shade?
view the full question and answer
Need a recommendation for a fast growing shade tree near Gettysburg PA
October 08, 2009 - I am looking to plant a fast growing shade tree with non-invasive roots. I live in south central Pennsylvania just north of Gettysburg PA.
view the full question and answer
Ornamental shade grasses for Dover AR
April 16, 2011 - Ornamental shade grasses for sandy soil or silt, part shade, or even vines.
view the full question and answer
Grass for dense shade in Simpsonville SC
May 12, 2010 - We live in Simpsonville, SC. Our back yard leads back into very dense woods. It is extremely shady, virtually no direct sun for any length of time. We have a hard time growing grass here. What type of...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |