Explore Plants

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

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.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - December 16, 2010

From: Kingston, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Erosion Control
Title: Native grasses for erosion control in the state of Washington
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Which native grasses do you suggest for maximum erosion control in my area?

ANSWER:

The following perennial grasses native to Kitsap County would be effective in erosion control.  Since I don't know the particular conditions of your site you should check the stated "GROWING CONDITIONS" for each species in our Native Plant Database to see if they correspond with the conditions at your site.

Agrostis exarata (Spike bentgrass) and here are photos and more information.

Bromus carinatus (California brome) and here are photos and more information.

Calamagrostis canadensis (Bluejoint)

Danthonia spicata (Poverty oatgrass) and here are photos and more information.

Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted hairgrass)

Elymus glaucus (Blue wild rye) and here are photos and more information.  This grass is particular noted for its erosion control qualities.

Glyceria striata (Fowl mannagrass) and here are photos and more information.

Here are a few photos from our Image Gallery:

 

More Erosion Control Questions

Ground cover for steep slope in Washington DC
May 07, 2010 - We have a steep slope in our garden in Washington DC which has sun from noon to sun set. Could you please recommend some low maintenance plants which would be a good ground cover and limit erosion?
view the full question and answer

Ground cover that won't hide snakes from Asheville NC
June 29, 2012 - I have an unusual situation: several bare areas in an otherwise wooded area, which receive partial sun, and are not near water -- it rains here frequently, but the soil can become quite dry at times. ...
view the full question and answer

Need a ground cover to stop erosion on a slope next to a pond.
December 08, 2009 - I have a large natural pond. One side has a steep slope. I need a attractive,low/no maintenance, evergreen? plant to stop the erosion into the pond. Cornelius/charlotte nc
view the full question and answer

Erosion control on 30-ft. berms in Manor, TX
February 06, 2009 - The Austin Rifle Club has recently re stacked its over 30ft high backstops. We know their will be erosion to these earthen berms. We need some suggestions on what to plant. Our club is a traini...
view the full question and answer

Shrub or Vine for NH Slope
May 11, 2013 - I'm looking for a native plant/shrub/vine that can be used to control erosion on a relatively steep slope in New Hampshire. Do you know of any?
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile 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.