Ground cover plants

When people take up gardening, whatever methods they use, their usual aim is to grow a range of plants very few of which would usually be found wild on their land. It is, of course, wise to try and use those species that are best adapted to the conditions of the particular site but, gardeners being gardeners, we generally want to try and grow a wider range of plants than this. Of course, this means that these plants are at a general disadvantage on the site and the tendency is for the native plants to re-establish themselves. Thus begins the long preoccupation with weeding, the constant battle to maintain those plants we want to grow at the expense of the plants that want to grow there.

There are many ways of trying to control weeds. We can remove them by hoeing them out or by burning them with a flame gun. We can try to prevent them growing by putting down mulches. Each of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages and each has situations where they are applicable. In this leaflet we will look at another method of controlling weeds - by growing carefully selected plants that can spread to cover the ground and that will out-compete the weeds

Like other forms of weed control, ground cover has its advantages and disadvantages. Its primary advantages include:-

1. By covering the ground with a carpet of vegetation it prevents the germination of weed seeds.
2. When established, it prevents the ingress of perennial weeds.
3. It protects the soil from erosion and water loss. This can be particularly useful on steep slopes.
4. It acts as an insulating cover for the soil, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
5. It is a living mulch that helps to build up humus levels in the soil.
6. It provides habitats and cover for beneficial insects and other predators.
7. It can be very attractive.
8. It can provide us with various other commodities - food, medicines etc.

1. It can provide a habitat for slugs, snails and other pests. This is to a large extent mitigated by the beneficial creatures it also encourages, but it is best not to grow slug-susceptible plants in a ground cover if you normally have a problem with slugs.
2. It can compete with other plants for food and water.
3. If the ground cover is too vigorous it can overrun the plants you want to grow.

One important point to remember about ground cover is that it is only an effective weed-suppressor once it is established. In virtually all cases you need to plant into a soil that is free from perennial weeds, and you need to weed the plants until they are established (usually 1 - 3 growing seasons).

Spring is a good time for planting most of the species mentioned below. Planting distances depend upon the vigour of the plants - very fast-growing species can often be planted as much as 1 metre apart whilst slower plants might need to be 15cm apart. Most ground covers spread quite freely and can be divided so it is a simple matter to build up a good stock of plants within a few years.

Ground cover can be used in various situations. It is probably pre-eminently suitable under and around trees and shrubs and there is a very wide range of plants that can be used in such situations. Another good use is as a companion for bulbs. Lilies, for example, like the cooler soil conditions created by the ground cover and can easily grow through the carpet of vegetation. Steep banks are another suitable position. The root system of the plants help to bind the soil and this, together with the foliage, prevents soil erosion. Ground cover can also be used with herbaceous perennials, though greater care is required here in the choice of plants in order to make sure that they do not out-compete the perennials. There are also successful methods of using ground cover with annuals (the Bonfilles method of growing cereals for example) though in general we have found ground cover and annuals do not do well together.

Now we come to a list of species that can be used for ground cover. We have information on over 250 species that can be used (and we have normally only included those species that have additional uses) so we can only include a few of them in this leaflet. We do produce a check-list of all the ground-cover plants and this can be obtained for 6 x first class stamps from the address at the end of this article.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi: Bearberry is an evergreen shrub growing about 10cm tall and eventually 1 metre wide. A good plant for sunny banks, it requires an acid soil. The fruit is edible.

Asarum canadense: This low-growing herbaceous species does well in a woodland, it is also good under shrubs in the garden. It requires a humus-rich soil. The root can be used as a ginger substitute. A. caudatum, A. europaeum and A. shuttleworthii can be used in the same way.

Campanula poscharskyana: A low-growing evergreen herbaceous plant, this lovely little Harebell spreads very rapidly to form a very good cover in a sunny position. The mild-flavoured leaves can be harvested all year round to be used in salads. C. portenschlagiana can be used similarly, we do not yet know if this species is deciduous or evergreen.

Chamaemelum nobile: Chamomile is a delightful herb to grow in the garden, the cultivar 'Treneague' is a non-flowering form that remains compact and spreads slowly to form a good ground cover in a sunny position (it is sometimes used as a lawn). It needs quite a bit of weeding until it is established, and occasional weeding even when established. Chamomile is a superb companion plant, enhancing the health of plants growing close to it. Many species of bulbs grow well through the chamomile.

Chrysosplenium alternifolium: Golden saxifrage is a native perennial for the bog garden. It prefers a shady position, doing well in wet woodland. About 30cm tall, it creeps slowly to form a good carpet. The leaves are nice in salads. C. oppositifolium is a similar species with the same uses.

Cornus canadensis: Creeping dogwood is a perennial that grows well in light acid woodlands, including amongst conifers. The fruit has a pleasant taste though it is not highly flavoured. Our native C. suecica, the dwarf cornel, has similar uses.

Empetrum nigrum: The crowberry is a native evergreen shrub growing about 30cm tall and spreading slowly. It requires an acid soil and does well in exposed positions. The fruit is not highly flavoured but is acceptable after a frost. Most other members of this genus can be used in a similar way.

Fragaria species: There are many species of strawberry that can be used for ground cover. Some of them have exquisitely flavoured fruits, though they are somewhat smaller than the cultivated strawberries and are often not borne freely. My favourites are F. moschata and F. viridis. They grow best in a sunny position in a well-drained soil but do tolerate some shade. They spread very freely by runners, quickly forming a dense mass of vegetation and swamping out any small plants.

Gaultheria shalloni: Shallon is an evergreen shrub that grows about 1.2 metres tall. It does well in acid soils and under coniferous trees. The fruit is very freely borne and has a pleasant flavour. G. procumbens, Wintergreen, only grows about 15cm tall and spreads fairly quickly in moist acid soils in shade or semi- shade. The fruit has a remarkable flavour, tasting like germolene - some people love it, others are less sure! An essential oil from this plant is used in the linament 'Oil of Wintergreen'.

Hosta species: Most, if not all, hostas can be used for ground cover. They vary in height and width and all do well in woodland conditions (where they produce better foliage but don't flower so well) as well as in sunny positions (where they flower better but the leaves can get scorched). The plants are rather susceptible to slug damage. The petioles (leaf stems) can be eaten raw or cooked, they are somewhat fibrous but have a sweet flavour.

Houttuynia cordata: This is a rampant-growing herbaceous plant, though it dies right down in the winter. It succeeds in moist and wet soils as well as in shallow water. The leaves have a very strong scent of oranges and can be used in salads. Sometimes they have a pleasant flavour, at other times the same plants are not so pleasant. We are not sure of the reasons for this. There are a number of very ornamental forms with multi- coloured leaves.

Liriope graminifolia: This evergreen perennial is about 30cm tall. It is rather slow to spread but eventually forms a good dense cover in a shady position and is drought tolerant. We have not yet tried eating this species, but the root is said to be eaten in China and Japan, where it is also used medicinally. Other members of this genus can also be used.

Mahonia aquifolium: Oregon grape is a very easily grown evergreen shrub about 1.5 metres tall that tolerates most soils and positions, even dense shade. It spreads slowly by suckers.The plant produces edible flowers in late winter, the fruit is ripe in late summer and, though somewhat acid and full of seeds, is quite pleasant eating. M. repens is very similar but lower growing and spreading more rapidly.

Montia sibirica: Pink purslane is a short-lived evergreen perennial about 20cm tall that self-sows freely and forms a dense ground cover. It can succeed in sunny positions and even in the dense shade of a beech wood. The leaves can be eaten in salads.

Origanum vulgare: Oreganum is a very dense growing plant for sunny positions, it makes a good ground cover though it is slow to spread. An excellent flavouring for cooked foods and salads, it is also a very good companion plant and is said to repel insect pests. The sub-species O. vulgare hirtum comes from Greece and is more aromatic.

Peltaria alliacea: Garlic cress tastes just like its name suggests. The plant is evergreen and the leaves can be used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods, though it turns more bitter in the summer. The plant is about 20cm tall and spreads slowly. It prefers a light soil and a sunny position.

Prunus laurocerasus: Cherry laurel is an easily grown evergreen shrub succeeding in sun or in the dense shade of trees and in most well-drained soils except shallow chalk. It can have a negative effect on nearby plants, however, and I would only use it under mature trees. Some low-growing forms such as 'Otto Luyken' make good ground cover plants. The very ripe fruit, which has a jelly-like texture and usually also a sweet taste and a pleasant flavour, can be eaten in moderation. However, if there is also a bitterness present then no more than a few fruits should be eaten. This bitterness is due to the presence of the same glycosides that give almonds their characteristic flavour. Whilst in small quantities they can be beneficial for the respiratory and digestive system, in larger quantities they can be toxic.

Pulmonaria officinalis: Lungwort is an evergreen perennial about 30cm tall, growing best in the light shade of a woodland. It is slow to spread but makes a good weed-excluding carpet of vegetation. It is sometimes cultivated as a medicinal herb, the bland-flavoured leaves can be added to salads.

Rubus species: There are several members of this genus that can be grown for ground cover in sun or light shade and can also provide edible fruits. Our favourite is R. nepalensis, the Nepalese raspberry. This evergreen plant is only about 10cm tall but spreads freely to form a good carpet. The fruit is ripe from late July to September, somewhat smaller than the cultivated raspberry it has a pleasant acid flavour. Best in light shade, it will often be deciduous in exposed positions and is not hardy in the colder parts of the country. R. illecebrosus. the strawberry raspberry has a large fruit that looks delicious but is rather bland. The plant is about 15cm tall, it spreads freely but dies down in winter. Other species worth trying include R. calycinoides, R. parvus and R. tricolor (this last species is very vigorous and should not be used with small plants).

Sedum species: There are many members of this genus that can be used as low ground cover for sunny positions. They are all very drought tolerant, growing well on hot dry banks, and all the species mentioned here are evergreen. Their leaves are edible raw or cooked, but they are not the most appetizing leaves I've ever eaten. The following are worth trying. S. acre, S. album, S. spathulifolium and S. spurium

Thymus species: The Thymes make very good ground cover in well-drained sunny positions, they are very drought tolerant. Regular consumption of the leaves is said to prolong your life by increasing the life of the body's cells. The following species can be added to salads or cooked foods - T. praecox, T. serpyllum, T. vulgaris and T. x citriodorus. This last, the lemon thyme, is my personal favourite, the leaves have a lovely lemon flavour.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea: The cowberry is an evergreen shrub for acid soils. It succeeds in full sun or in light shade in a coniferous woodland. Rather slow at first, it will eventually be about 30cm tall and up to 1 metre wide. The acid flavoured fruit, which is said to taste better after a frost, is used like cranberries. V. praestans is a deciduous member of the genus with a fairly large delicious fruit that tastes somewhat like a strawberry. It is about 15cm tall, spreading slowly by suckers, and growing well in a moist acid soil in a shady position.

Vinca minor: Periwinkle is an evergreen native shrub growing about 30cm tall and spreading freely when established. A superb ground cover, it succeeds in sunny positions and also in dense shade. The pliable stems can be used in basket making and the plant has many valuable medicinal properties. V. major has similar uses.

Viola species: Several members of this genus can be used in sunny positions. They have mild-flavoured edible leaves and flowers, these are quite mucilaginous and can be used as thickeners in soups and stews in much the same way as okra is used. The following are worth trying. V. cornuta, V. labradorica and V. obliqua.

The following books are recommended for further reading on the subject of ground cover.

• Plants for Ground Cover. This is a very comprehensive book written by G. S. Thomas and published by J. M. Dent and sons. Its ISBN is 0-460-12609-1.
• Ground Cover Plants. This handy little booklet from the Royal Horticultural Society was published by Cassells in 1989. Its ISBN no. is 0-304-31089-1

Some one on the Web (Jack Rowe From Seeds of Texas Seeds Exchange jackrowe@compuserve.com) mentioned ATTRA (Appropriate Tech Transfer for Rural Areas). He says "ATTRA will send you the best single packet about cover crops that I know of, as well as on a broad variety of other subjects. These guys are GREAT!". ATTR, PO Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702, 800-346-9140.

And (Andy Clark, san@nal.usda.gov) mentioned the Sustainable Agriculture Network's Managing Cover Crops Profitably. And the UC SAREP Cover Crop Resource Page which has 5,000 items gleaned from more than 600 separate sources. And the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center has a bibliography called Green Manures and Cover Crops.

Also have look at NSOGA Cover Crop Research Project with info on "Make the most of legumes to fix and keep nitrogen in your soil" use of Cover Crops and Mulching.

Database

The database has more details on these plants: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Asarum canadense, Asarum caudatum, Asarum europaeum, Asarum shuttleworthii, Campanula portenschlagiana, Campanula poscharskyana, Chamaemelum nobile, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Cornus canadensis, Cornus suecica, Empetrum nigrum, Fragaria, Gaultheria shallon, Houttuynia cordata, Liriope graminifolia, Mahonia aquifolium, Mahonia repens, Origanum vulgare, Peltaria alliacea, Prunus laurocerasus, Pulmonaria officinalis, Rubus calycinoides, Rubus parvus, Sedum acre, Sedum album, Sedum spathulifolium, Sedum spurium, Thymus praecox, Thymus praecox arcticus, Thymus serpyllum, Vaccinium praestans, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vinca major, Vinca minor, Viola cornuta, Viola labradorica, Viola obliqua.

Readers Comments

Ground cover plants.

Dr. Mark P. Kraver Thu Apr 27 14:54:55 2000

Many of these plants do not survive well in the sunny south (SW Florida) and need a cool/cold winter. pH , soil types, shade/sun requirements, and etc. can all be altered/accomodated, so it would be nice to have the ranges of climate zones, they do well in, included in your data base. Thank you.

Ground cover plants.

Thu May 18 21:04:28 2000

I have been browsing a book by UK gardening author Hugh Johnson which has a climate chart comparing UK/Europe/USA/Canada by North American models of hardiness.The majority of the south and midlands area of the UK and Ireland fall within the Zone 8 - 10 to 20 degrees farenheit for 270 days category with the warmer southern and coastal areas being Zone 9 which is rated at 20 - 30 degrees f for 330 days. This does not mean that frost and snow are not experienced in these areas in the months December to Feb/March though this is becoming rarer with recent years. Eqivalent areas within the US for zone 8 are N.C, GA., ALA., MISS with the coastal areas of these states obviously falling within the Zone 9 and above categories. I hope this information is helpful.

Hugh Forsyth

Ground cover plants.

judith eckerfield Sat Sep 2 12:56:04 2000

Thank you for the information on the ground cover, however, I need to know if any are salt tolerant. Can you advise?

Ground cover plants.

Mike Tue Jan 23 16:56:43 2001

I need information about suitable grouncovers for S.E.Michigan,USA. I'm not sure what zone I'm in. It has to be perennial, low growing & low maintenance. It will cover slopes and flat areas, mostly sunny with some shade. Thank you

Ground cover plants.

E Mon Feb 19 02:18:18 2001

I am searching for a ground cover for Texas Beach area...sea water, sand loving, HARDY, erpsoion controling...any suggestions? Advice would be helpful. Thank You.

Ground cover plants.

jo Sun Mar 25 23:58:55 2001

I'm interested in growing a chamomile lawn and would be really grateful of any advice cheers

Ground cover plants.

Angela Sat Mar 31 20:24:18 2001

I'm with him! It's nice to read but pictures also would help. Most of all I need to know if I can grow them in the Florida climate!

Please include the hardiness zones of the plants!

Ground cover plants.

lys Tue Apr 3 14:24:41 2001

put some pictures of the future plants please.

Ground cover plants.

Irene Thu Apr 5 16:51:54 2001

I too am looking for thyme or moss ort some other form of ground cover that I can plant between flat stones that form my extended patio. Please let me know if you know of any that will thrive in the South Florida heat. Thank you.

Ground cover plants.

Cat Mon Apr 9 19:52:29 2001

I found your information most useful but agree that pictures or a redirect to a site of plant images would be most useful. And I don't care how you spell it. Thank you for pulling this together.

Ground cover plants.

Debby Fri Apr 20 04:07:15 2001

I'm looking for a ground cover that is native to Philadelphia, PA. We have approximately 20 acres of woods that have been torn up from ATV traffic. We are trying to restore this area with native plants and ground coverings. There are numerous types of small mammals and birds living in these woods and they must be able to eat this vegetation. I would appreciate any ideas you can give.

Ground cover plants.

Thu Apr 26 21:55:37 2001

I am looking for a ground cover to plant between flat stones on the ground of my walkway. Any ideas?

Ground cover plants.

Pamela Keith Mon May 7 18:30:35 2001

We are trying to find out the name of the ground cover at The Conciergerie prison in Paris. It is growing in a small courtyard there. The leaves are small. Can you help me in finding the name of that groundcover? I have a picture of it.

Ground cover plants.

Mary Tue May 22 00:09:18 2001

I think that English Thyme is a lovely ground cover and very durable.

Ground cover plants.

Queenie Tue Jun 12 23:54:03 2001

I need to know what to use for shade ground cover for a cabin in the woods. We'd like something that will keep the weeds down but also be able to walk on. Can you help with names of plants for this purpose?

Texas Beach area

Buck Wed Jun 13 18:49:44 2001

I don't know if it freezes in the winter. But if it doesn't Try good old "Ice Plant" (common name). Beautiful spring blossums and out here on the Pacific Coast it will go all season on the winter rains. Covers the sand and holds it from blowing in the wind. Just hack off an eighteen inch piece, bury it half way, plant about 2ft. apart and kick back. What doesn't take off in the spring, you could replant, but I just let it fill in. Oh yes plant in the fall or early spring to ketch the rains.

Ground cover plants.

Karina Ballester Fri Jun 22 02:07:08 2001

This site is very good, but it lacks some information that would be very useful at the moment of deciding which ground cover specie suits your main crop, soil and needs. For example, right now I'm interested on the carbon/nitrogen ratio of the plant.

Ground cover plants.

Fri Jun 22 02:07:08 2001

Try given a bit more detail of the soil, or at least exact location. Next time i check the site, I'll try to help.

Mother of thyme

John nerey Thu Jun 28 05:25:59 2001

I am looking for this ground cover called "MOTHER OF THYME" If any one knows were to aquire this plant please advise. My E-MAIl address is redchev95@aol.com Thank you

Ground cover plants.

Christopher S Sun Jul 29 02:51:05 2001

I believe that all the commentors appreciate the job you've done. Now please provide photos (and/or links to photos), hardiness zone, soil acidity, water, and sun/shade requirements. Thank you.

Ground cover plants.

Wed Aug 29 04:16:58 2001

can someone please suggest an excellent ground cover (perennial) for CA, USA, which is drought tolerant and full sun ?

email:foomail123@yahoo.com

Ground cover plants.

Lynn Crete (Hull, Quebec...near Ottawa) Mon Sep 10 12:21:12 2001

I AM LOOKING FOR A VERY SHORT, LOW GROWING GROUND COVER THAT WILL SURVIVE IN ZONE 5 IN PARTIAL SHADE (UNDER A LARGE CRABAPPLE SHADE) AND SURROUNDING LAWN AREA (MORE SUNNY).

CAN YOU HELP?

Ground cover plants.

Mary Colgate Thu Sep 20 02:35:54 2001

I really need a list of ground covers that can be used in a garden walkway and can withstand some walking on.

Ground cover plants.

Erik Johnson Sat Sep 29 05:04:44 2001

Unfortunately, USDA zones aren't useful except for perhaps determining maximum cold resistence (all they measure are miniumum temps). Britain is smack dab in front of the Gulf Stream, so has warm winters. However it is very far north, so has long winters and cool summers. USDA zones 8 and 9 in the US are perhaps equivalent to Europe in the maritime Pacific Northwest and northern California, but not in the Southeast US.

270 frost free days leaves about 95 with frost. # Frost-free days is somewhat useful for annuals but little else. Temperate perennials/trees need winter chilling (hours between 32 and 45 Fahrenheit). I guarrantee that NW FL (USDA zone 8) does not have 95 days of potential frost (& presumptively "chill"). It usually has only 400 (or less) chilling hours, and only about 3-7 days (nights?) of frost. Temps get down to low 20s F (in some cases 15 F), but these killing frosts occur unpredictably, scattered amoungst 60/70 Fahrenheit days from late December to late February. W. European weather is probably more regular. Spain and Italy can raise both subtropical crops (citrus, banana passionfruit)--lack of killing frosts--and European plums/apples/hazels/etc--prolonged winter chill. Neither group is reliable in the Deep South of the US; indeed, native species (mayhaw, rabbiteye blueberry, scuppernong) and a small number of exotics from Asia (kaki) and Uruguay (feijoa, jelly palm) are the only ones to thrive. And if the Limeys saw wild scuppernongs--120+ ft woody lianas with aerial roots (Bartram's "flying buttresses of the live oak forest"), I don't think they'd recommend planting vines, let alone grapes, at "woodland edges." Kinda hard to harvest and control.

I have a hard time taking gardening advice/books from Europe and West Coast USA seriously. Unfortunately most authors come from such areas, so the rest of us waste alot of money planting things and watching them die, in order to find the tiny percentage that work. Some of the species that "work" become weeds--witness Kudzu, which swallowed Georgia after FDR's bureaucrats decided it would be good for errosion control.

Anyone have scuppernong (Vitis rotundifolia) recipes?

Ground cover plants.

Phill Wed Oct 3 15:53:14 2001

I am interested in the Ayuka (phonetically spelled) species. I know they make great ground cover and have purple green leaves. I thought that they bloomed with purple sprouts also, but I hear they do not from some. Please help me with this delimna.

Ground cover plants.

Sat Jan 5 20:33:10 2002

I am looking for a plant that can grow even without much light and in damp areas. Thanks.

Ground cover plants.

Sat Jan 19 04:04:57 2002

I have a large area planted with junipers for erosion control. My problem is controling the grass that grows within the plants. Is there a way to stop the growth of grass and not damage the plants?

Ground cover plants.

Tom Hennen Tue Jan 22 19:27:12 2002

I need a recommendation for a good ground cover plant for a home located on Galveston Bay south of Houston, Texas. It has been suggested that I use "Asian Jasmine". I have very little knowledge of gardening, let alone this specific plant. Please help! Thanks!

~Tom

Ground cover plants.

Mary Sun Feb 24 20:37:38 2002

I live literally in the forest in Oklahoma. Our home is surrounded by moderately dense woods. I would like to keep it this way but would like some type of ground cover that will do well around cedar trees. It needs to be very low to the ground to prevent snakes as much as possible. Some of the area is sunny of course but not sunny enough to grow grass well. I want to be able to walk barefooted in the woods. Any suggestions?

Ground cover plants.

johnny loizides Thu Mar 7 21:32:36 2002

Dont be a Pedant. So what if they spelt Happy wrong. You Idioet, or should that be idiot

Prunus laurocerasus

Una McDermott Sat Mar 9 12:25:10 2002

My understanding is that even small amounts of the plant can cause poisoning. The leaves containcyanogenic glycocides. These glycosides yield hydrocyanic acid (cyanide)when enzymes in crushed plant material or the digestive system act on them. Cyanide smells of almonds. Distilling material from the leaves may concentrate the levels of cyanide to a toxic level.

Prunus laurocerasus

Ken Fern Sat Mar 9 12:27:53 2002

Dear Una McDermott

Many thanks for your email regarding Prunus laurocerasus and the conflicting reports of edibility and poisonousness.

Prunus laurocerasus is in the rose family of plants. This family includes many well-known edible fruits including the apple, pear, plum, strawberry, cherry, apricot, peach, blackberry and raspberry. A very high proportion of plants in the rose family also contain cyanogenic glycosides. This is found, in small quantities, in the leaves and seeds, but also in the fruits and can be detected by the characteristic bitter flavour reminiscent of almonds. Indeed, it is these glycosides that give almonds (also a member of the rose family) their characteristic flavour. Whilst the sweet almonds that are so commonly used as an article of food have only a low concentration of these glycosides, the bitter almonds that are used commercially to make marzipan and other food flavourings contain a much higher content (indeed there are records of three of these bitter almond seeds causing death in a young child). Even the sweet almonds are not totally safe to eat - it has been stimulated that about 900 seeds would constitute a lethal dose for an average healthy adult.

These glycosides are not all bad, however. Indeed, they are used both by conventional medicine and by herbalists as a stimulant for the respiratory system. In conventional medicine, the compound is used in isolation, but herbally many plants rich in these glycosides are used, including the bitter almond and Prunus laurocerasus (the leaves and seeds rather than the fruits).

The fruits of Prunus laurocerasus are usually quite low in glycoside content and are thus completely safe to eat in all but very large quantities. I have eaten quite large quantities on a number of occasions and have also given them to my young children who love them. However, I always make sure the fruit is fully ripe (it acquires a jelly-like consistency) and that it has a sweet rather than bitter flavour. Eaten like this they are completely safe - I first gave them to my son when he was about 2½ years old and he is now a very healthy 7½ year old.

The leaflet on ground cover plants that you read was written about 10 years ago and has not been revised since then. I do feel that the explanation on edibility should be expanded and will make sure that this is done in the near future. The entry for the plant in our database is more clear - I include excerpts from it below:-

The entry for known toxins reads as follows - "All parts of the plant contain hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death."

The entry for edibility reads as follows -

"Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and reasonably pleasant when fully ripe[65, 74, K]. The cultivar 'Camelliifolia' bears huge quantities of fruit[K]. This is the size of a large cherry and, when fully ripe, has a reasonable flavour raw with a jelly-like texture and a slight astringency[K]. Some sources suggest the fruit is poisonous, this probably refers to the unripe fruit[7]. We have eaten this fruit in quite large quantities without the slightest ill effects (this also includes a 2 year old child) and so any toxicity is of a very low order[K]. However, any fruit that is bitter should not be eaten in quantity because the bitterness is caused by the presence of the toxic compounds - see the notes above on toxicity. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains one large seed[200]. Water distilled from the leaves is used as an almond flavouring[2, 46, 61, 183]. It should only be uses in small quantities, it is poisonous in large amounts[183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity."

I hope this is of us to you. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch with me if you have further questions.

Ken Fern

Ground cover plants.

Thu Mar 14 17:07:34 2002

I AM LOOKING FOR A WEB SITE THAT WILL SHOW ME VARIETYS OF FLOWERING IC PLANT FOR A HOT CLIMATE. I LIVE IN HEMET CALIFORNIA.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

JIM

jimpeace01@a0l.com

Ground cover plants.

katalin Fri Mar 22 17:24:21 2002

I think the plant you are looking for is Ajuga. Some varieties have purple leaves, some are variegated (blotched purple, cream, green, and occasionally pink) and some are various shades of plain green. All of these however - to my knowledge - have purple flowers. Ajuga likes a moist shady soil and may 'pout' and fail to flower if it is unhappy.

Ground cover plants.

Bob Thu Apr 11 16:18:53 2002

I am laying down isotoma in a small area in front of my house. Most of it will be strips between stepping stones, but about 10 - 15 sq. ft. will be uninterrupted carpet on one side. Is there any problem with buying mud flats of isotoma and simply removing them from the container and laying them directly on prepared soil for the smaller section?

Thanks!

Ground cover plants.

Glenn Fri Apr 26 03:04:12 2002

I saw a very low, spreading ground cover (about 1-1/2") at a Botanical Garden in Atlanta. It's common name was "heart vine" and the leaves were heart-shaped. Does anyone know the botanical name and if it can be easily obtained.

Ground cover plants.

Thu May 2 00:55:56 2002

HELP ! i'm looking for some ideas on shade loving ground cover. to put around the bottom of my pines i live in southeast Michigan.. would appreciate any feedback.. something low maint. that looks lush... possibly something flowering.. thanks

Ground cover plants.

E. A. Fronk Sun May 19 01:37:12 2002

.Hi, have you tried Thymus herba-barona it is good even for the cooking pot. and another is thymus elfin hardy through zone 5. Liz

Ground cover plants.

Sun Jun 16 13:22:48 2002

Texas beach front, Try the common name Blanket Flower. I've read it's good on beach fronts. It took just two years to cover my little patch of wildflower gargen (GA). Red/yellow flowers, what I've allowed to stay is almost three feet tall, again. Will take over again if I don't watch it.

Also looking for a short, flowering, cold hardy, LOW maietenance cover native to GA or the southeast to replace bark/pinestraw.

thanks, T.W.Zeskey

Ground cover plants.

Bill Mon Jun 17 07:11:01 2002

We have a house in Lake Tahoe at an elevation of 6000 feet. Winter blankets us every year with about 3 feet of snow for 4 months. The soil is sandy and dusty and full of pine needles, and the sunlight is filtered. I’m looking for the best ground cover to create a thick grass-like carpet that my family can recreate on. This is a vacation home and we are rarely there so we can’t water, mow or maintain it. Does such a plant exist? Much thanks.

Ground cover plants.

Peter von Rosen Tue Aug 20 16:51:00 2002

If you want to grow ground cover between flat stones in a hot climate (such as the Algarve or California) one of your best bets is Dichondra micrantha carolensis repens. Also known as "wonder lawn"

Ground cover plants.

Vince Cerullo Thu Feb 27 16:01:33 2003

Can anyone help with an evergreen ground cover for south central NC (Zone 7). Soil is clay and is located on a slope. Water is no problem. Was thinking of ivy, but I am open to suggestions.

Thanks

Ground cover plants.

Mon Mar 17 00:40:43 2003

i would like to know what the fastest spreading shade loving ground cover plant would be.

Ground cover plants.

Toni Kosydar Thu Mar 27 19:03:55 2003

Looking for ground cover in a sloppy area to somewhat sloppy area. Southwest Wisconcin. In late fall these areas were seeded with a one time rye grass seed. Also need to know how to do the whole process.

Thanks, any information will be helpful

Ground cover plants.

Ian Wed Apr 9 22:35:41 2003

Not sure about the salt content of the soil but it sounds like an andora or rug juniper would be the best type of ground covering ans soil retaining plant.

Ground cover plants.

Mike Sat Apr 12 18:58:19 2003

I am looking for a way to remove dense, overgrown ground cover. I think it is just too overgrown and I'd prefer to remove it and plant grass. Any ideas?

Ground cover plants.

Helen Sat Apr 19 21:00:14 2003

I understand that "cotula gruveri" makes a lush, green pathway and when you step on the plants they actually spread. Do you know where I can purchase elfin thyme?

Ground cover plants.

Tue May 6 14:32:40 2003

I think you are talking about Ajuga. It is a ground cover with purple/green leaves. Also it can have purple or blue sprouts. It is also deer resistant and good in shade.

Ground cover

Thu May 8 18:16:15 2003

im eduardo ortiz ...if anybody are interested in ground cover my company produce 300 tons every month... in mexico and we have the best quality my tel is 52 713 133 5617 or 52 713 13 3 55 58

Ground cover plants.

Dell Resweber Sat May 10 20:23:40 2003

Does anyone have information about a ground cover called "red threads." I hear that it does well in partial shade.

Ground cover plants.

Steve Sat Jun 14 04:57:10 2003

Does anyone know of a groundcover that I can plant for full sun in summer and can survive the New York winters? I have a huge hill in front of my property that I want to cover.

I would like it to be fast growing and fast to fill in, nice smell and is low to the ground......anywhere between 2 and 4 inches.

Many thanks for your help....in advance :).

Ground cover plants.

Paty Thomson Wed Jul 16 15:30:46 2003

Thnak you for all this helpful information. I aso wanted to ask you if you know anything about a ground cover named "Griselda" white plantia. I don't have the generic name used for this specific ground cover. Thank you in advance. Paty

Ground cover plants.

NAMBANGI OKOLLE JUSTIN Wed Oct 1 07:38:04 2003

INFACT YOUR WEBSITE GIVES AN EXAUSTIVE DETAIL OF GROUND COVER PLANTS. I AM A RESEARCHER WORKING ON BANANA AGROECOSYSTEMS WHERE THE BORER WEEVIL IS AN IMPORTANT INSECT PEST.. THIS PEST IS HYDROPHILIC AND RESEARCHERS ARE RECOMMENDING LIVING MULCH AS A CONTROL MEASURE. CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE? IF SO WHAT SUITABLE GROUNDCOVER PLANTS CAN BE RECOMMENDED FOR RESEARCH TRIALS?

Ground cover plants.

Dale Fri Feb 13 04:41:22 2004

I'm on Siesta Key off the coast of Sarasota, Florida and it's hot, humid even at night so that's why Here is my situation. I am in Sarasota, Florida zone 9b...hot and humid and the killer is hot nights for 6 months out of the year. Coldest it gets is 30 rarely and 35-40 a few times a winter. I have a path made out of 3" thick and 24' square concrete blocks with 3" holes. They were made to be filled with gravel or grass in parking lots to minimize the amount of asphalt used. I had planned on planting groundcover in the holes. I tried Laurentia and it did fine for a while. But then died out. This path is under a very large oak with a well trimmed canopy on the NW side of my house. It gets bright filtered light for part of the day. Do you know of anything that would be happy in this situation? I think the Laurentia couldn't spread and that's what did it in. Sure hope you have some ideas. I also want a groundcover to grow under many Alocasia/Colocasias where they will definitely be in shade from these "elephant ears." Thanks so much for "listening." I really want to find something for the path! Dale Six Sarasota, Floridaso many plants fail here.

Ground cover plants.

Eric Hausmann Tue Apr 27 21:13:59 2004

I'm looking for a good ground cover in central NJthat I can mix with other plants like tall grass and such . this will be going around my pool potio and up against my white vinyl fence there is amout a 1 to 2 foot barrier around the whole yard.

Very short ground cover plants.

J. Soub Fri Jun 11 04:21:24 2004

Hello. I'm looking for a very short plant to use as the perimeter of my parents' grave marker. Their names are etched very low to the ground and regular grass obstructs them. Any suggestions? I live in central Pennsylvania. Thanks.

Ground cover plants.

Wed Jul 14 00:25:38 2004

I had this ground cover in California called Red Apple... here no one seems to have heard of it. Where can I buy it in Houston?

Ground cover plants.

M. Abraham Wed Aug 11 15:19:26 2004

We planted myrtle in shady and sunny areas of our lawn. I wonder, how can we prevent weeds from growing in these areas until the myrtle is established and was planting myrtle a good move in NJ, USA?

Ground cover plants

jodi reinholdt Wed Jun 15 2005

This is a wonderful site and has been very helpful throughout my college career. The pictures included are always of high quality and information is quite relevant. If you have a list of groundcovers for zone 6, that would be helpful. Thanks.

Ground cover plants

Sally Mon Aug 1 2005

Can someone recommend a very low ground cover to plant between flag stones in a sunny, dry location in zone 5 (south east New York)

Ground cover plants

Sun Aug 14 2005

Crown Vetch ground cover: is it possible in Florida?

Ground cover plants

Tasneem M Sun Aug 28 2005

I want to remove and clean the overgrown, dense, and deep rooted ground cover and plant something else.How do I remove it? Please help.

Ground cover plants

Dr. Mark Allen Sat Oct 1 2005

I have a 6 acre wooded lot that had a great cover with natural pine straw and leaves. Hurricane Katrina destroyed about a third of my trees. I now have large areas with all this natural cover removed by the bulldozers and other machinery used to clean up the mess. It is largely sloped about 10-15 degrees. There are not enough trees left to naturally recover the aforementioned areas. I have two needs. What to do in the immediate future for erosion. And what to plant long term that will cover quickly. I have about decided to use pine straw initially, but have no idea what to use long term. I do not want grass. The area is not close to a watering source. I would like some sort of seed of a non-flowering ground cover that will cover quickly. Any advice appreciated. Thanks. Dr. Mark Allen, 305 S. Archusa Ave.,Quitman, MS. 39355. smallen@direcway.com.

Ground cover plants

matt Wed Feb 8 2006

i am doing a science experiment on the growth of grass in different pH levels i was wandering if any one new a base soil email to midgetcenter@gmail.com

Ground cover plants

Ernest Beecham Sun Feb 19 2006

I recently saw a ground cover plant for sale in a nursery called Australian Viole but can't find anything about it on the internet. Does anyone have any information on this plant?

Ground cover plants

Erosion Info Seeker Fri Feb 24 2006

This website is not the best when it come to information on how ground cover plants can help reduce erosion!

Ground cover plants

Marla Thu Mar 16 2006

I am looking for some type of ground cover that will cover a large area 90 x 30. I don't want grass or anything else to grow through it. I would likesomething that grows fairly quickly. Also, I don't want a lot of height to it. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas??

Ground cover plants

Janet Mon Mar 20 2006

I'm after a ground cover plant for a grave plot - 10ft x 4ft - that would be green all year and need very little maintenance. Does anyone have any ideas?

Ground cover plants

shannonschaffer@yahoo.com Sat Mar 25 2006

OVERGROWN FERNS!!!!! I planted one fern in my garden and it spread too much throughout my small garden...this fern is so tenacious that it has invaded underneath my gardenia bush and has spread from my garden into the neighbors yard. I have dug up many of the 'initial' plants as well as the 'daughter' plants...the ones that I could unearth. I found that this fern produces an unusual underground root system that is not phased by commercial weed killer, even after being cut down to the root. Please help me to control this fern...PRETTY PLEASE HELP ME,BUT ESPECIALLY HELP MY NEIGHBOR FROM BEING INVADED!!!!!!!

Ground cover plants

Christy Fri Apr 21 2006

I have a rock retaining wall in our backyard but there is some space between the rocks. I am looking for some type of ground cover that is good looking to fill in these blank areas and prevent weeds from breaking through any suggestions? Thanks please email at hchoward109@msn.com

Ground cover plants

bernie62@cox.net Sun Apr 23 2006

will dicondra do well in Arizona in a suny location??of would some other ground cover do better. I'm using it around flastone laying in sand and dirt. please reply bernie62@cox.net

Ground cover plants

Terressa Tue Jun 13 2006

What is the correct name for ground cover plants called "hands and chicks"? I don't know if I spelled this term correctly, but someone gave me some plants and this is what they called them. They kinda look like artichoke plants. Thank You

Ground cover plants

Karen Wed Jun 14 2006

Terressa, I think you mean, Hen and Chicks (Echeveria elegans). I don't know that much about them -- I got some a few weeks ago as a deck-warming gift and haven't killed it yet, which is a good sign.

Ground cover plants

Robert Ronald (don't show my email,please.) Fri Jul 28 2006

Helo. I am allergic to grass, any kind of grass. My front yard is covered by this terrible plant and I need to know if does anuone know of a groundvover that I can plant for full sun in Summer and can survive the Illinois _ Dixon ( president Reagon booyhod...) winter ? I have a huge sunny front yard in my property that I want (I NEED) to cover. I would like it to be Fast Growing and Fast to Fill in, nice smell and is low to the ground, any where between 4,6 inches ..... I have a kind of Viola in my backyard... Can I replant it to the front yard which is a sunny location ? I am to old and with heart problems, so I cannot handle grass anymore. I also ask if I can purchasse the grownd cover at cheaper prices, where.... Many,many thanks in advance. Robert Ronald

Ground cover plants

Elianna Giannini Sun Sep 24 2006

Need to know when it is best to plant ground cover in between flagstones, such as Wooly or Lemon thyme? Live in zone 5, Northern Colorado. . In Fall? or spring? Your advice, pls. same question re shrubs, ornamental grasses or other perennials.

Ground cover plants

Judy Wright Mon Oct 2 2006

I like your web page, it has taught me a lot about ground cover. I want to plant Ajuga but want to know when I should plant, spring or winter. Also will it grow good in mostly sun and also clay ground? Thank you, Michigander

Ground cover plants

Fri Mar 2 2007

I cant find anything on how often ground coverings need to be watered!!!!

Ground cover plants

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future. Mon Mar 5 2007

One of the main benefits of well-chosen ground cover plants is that, apart from when you are first establishing them, they do not need to be watered. Watering plants is a very extravagant use of water and one of the reasons we advocate perennial plants so strongly at Plants for a Future is because they need little or, usually, no watering. There might be a need for some watering when first planting out any perennial plant, but this is for a very limited period until the plant has become established. If the plant still needs watering once it is becoming established, then you have chosen the wrong plant for that location.

Ground cover plants

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future Mon Mar 5 2007

One of the main benefits of well-chosen ground cover plants is that, apart from when you are first establishing them, they do not need to be watered. Watering plants is a very extravagant use of water and one of the reasons we advocate perennial plants so strongly at Plants for a Future is because they need little or, usually, no watering. There might be a need for some watering when first planting out any perennial plant, but this is for a very limited period until the plant has become established. If the plant still needs watering once it has become established, then you have chosen the wrong plant for that location.

Ground cover plants

Diana Tue Apr 24 2007

Need a ground cover plant that will grow with out much water and full sun. Can you help?

Ground cover plants

Mark Mon May 14 2007

Hi all, I need some advice. I live in North Texas on approx. 2 acres. On the perimeter of the lawn, I have about 1 acre in oak trees in which I cleared the under brush which was primarily thorny vines strangling my oak trees. What I am looking for is a ground cover that propagates quickly covering the floor to choke out the thorny vines that keep coming up. I want to stay away from vines which will grow up the trees. The area will be irrigated. I am looking for year round green.

Ground cover plants

nicole Wed May 30 2007

Hey, we are looking for a pennial as a ground cover that can be planted between flat rocks (our walkway) it gets only a small amount of sun. We live in Ontario, Canada...Thanks

Ground cover plants

Steven Burgin Mon Jun 11 2007

We need something to cover a large hill something low to the ground. We have some nice green trees right now and are looking for something to go with them.

Ground cover plants

Laura Sat Jun 23 2007

How do I remove old ground cover, and is there a spray I should apply to make sure I get all the roots out?

Ground cover plants

barbara kernochan Sat Jul 21 2007

Is there a ground cover suitable for California coastal cllimate that survives foot traffic reasonably well?

Ground cover plants

bev james Sat Aug 11 2007

I am looking for ground cover that will grow 3-4 inches in Southern california. Hot summers and mild winters. Need full sun, low maitenence, drought tolerant and light-medium traffic.

Ground cover plants

Josh Emerson Thu Aug 23 2007

awesome plants, thoroughly researched, lots of tips for zone applications, sun exposure, soil, water, etc, plus a search engine to find exactly what you need. i found it all at www.stepables.com

STEPABLES.com ground covers galore

Ground cover plants

George Mathews Tue Oct 9 2007

We are a main contractor doing landscaping work for the new doha international airport in the state of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf.Please advice if groundcover plants which are propogated in our site nursery will become overgrown or woody to the extent it cant be used if retained in the nursery for long periods say 1-1.5 years due to non availability of the site for planting purposes.We need to raise a claim to the client for plants wich are overgown and not feasible for planting.Please note that the plants are Rhoea discolor,atriplex halimus,asparagus spregeri,cassia grandiflora,gazzinia uniflora,Ruellia tuberosa,lantana camera,lantana dwarf,lamparanthus roseus,vinca rosea,portulaca grandiflora,wudelia trilobata Thanks and Regards George Mathews

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