Native Plants
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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.
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Friday - June 11, 2010
From: El Cajon, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives, Erosion Control, Groundcovers
Title: Replacing non-native iceplant in El Cajon CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Help! We are clearing fungus dead iceplant on a massive steep bank. Should I avoid replacing it with more iceplant? Would myaporum prostrate be a better option? Fast growing, erosion resistant, zero maintenance & minimal water usage are our goals.ANSWER:
In our Native Plant Database, there is a plant. Verbesina virginica (white crownbeard), of which "iceplant" is one of its half a dozen common names, although it is commonly known as "Frostweed."
We are pretty sure that is not the plant you are referring to, but rather a succulent, native to South Africa, Delosperma cooperi, also with the common name "iceplant." Since we do not deal in non-natives to North America, it will not appear in our Native Plant Database, but we found this site from Paghat's Garden, Delosperma cooperii that has some good information.
From Arizona Wildflowers, this site on native to Australia Myoporum parvifolium has some pictures and information.
Because these are both non-natives and also considered invasive, we really have no advice on which to use or why. Our suggestion is that you go to this page on groundcovers native to California from Las Pilitas Nursery, a wonderful resource for anyone who wishes to grow native in California. Since you are in San Diego CA, we believe they are relatively close to you, but you can also visit them online.
More Non-Natives Questions
Is the non-native California pepper tree (Schinus molle) toxic for horses?
September 14, 2009 - Is it safe and a good idea to put a horse corral around an established California pepper tree?
Thank you,
Mr. Smarty Plants
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Non-native, and/or invasive bermudagrass, St. Augustine and Pistache from Houston
September 24, 2012 - Our St. Augustine lawn died suddenly this summer from either chinch bugs or grub worms (or both?), and a multitude of weeds and native Bermuda have taken over the area. Now that the weather has cooled...
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Information about ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis)
May 06, 2008 - I recently planted some Carpobrotus edulis, Ice plant, and wanted to know if I can mulch or put stones around the entire garden and plants. They are a ground cover plant.
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Non-native pistacio problem Rockwall, TX.
July 02, 2014 - I have an eight year old Pistacio tree that has leaves turning brown and falling off. It is June! Why?
view the full question and answer
Texas frogfruit vs. non-native St. Augustine grass
October 12, 2008 - Can Texas frogfruit resist invasion by St. Augustine grass, or will I need to create a barrier?
view the full question and answer
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