Here are a few tips on selecting the best plants for erosion control. Clumping plants, shrubs, and Forsythia are all effective erosion control options. Learn about each one. And remember to choose the right plant for your situation. Read on to learn more about each plant and find out how it will benefit your soil. Here are some plants to consider when determining which one will work best for your site. We recommend the riverbank lupine, native plants, and shrubs for their erosion control capabilities.
Clumping plants
The best plants for erosion control depend on where they will be planted. For sunny slopes, use sturdy, drought-tolerant trees. If your area has more shade, consider shrubs or plants with deep roots and low water-holding capacity. And if you live near a body of water, choose fast-growing, wet-tolerant plants. In addition to their erosion-control qualities, these plants are also aesthetically pleasing. But how do you choose the right plants for your area?
Woodland plants, like wisteria and hollyhock, are excellent erosion control plants. The deep roots and wavy leaves of this plant help hold the soil in place. Some species grow well in full shade, so they can provide effective erosion control. Others like the maple-leaf and arrowwood viburnum are ideal for slopes. Aside from these two species, there are several other species that are good erosion control plants.
This plant thrives in zones 4 through seven. Its red berries are tasty to birds. It grows up to 30 feet tall and produces small, five-petal flowers in spring. It will stop erosion when planted near a retaining wall, but you’ll need to choose the right one for the area. In addition, it’s essential to choose a plant that matches the soil type in your area. And don’t forget to choose one that is suited to the soil and climate in which you live.
Native plants
If you’re considering native plants for erosion control, you’re in luck! Various species of ferns can be planted on slopes for their ability to resist erosion. Cinnamon fern and Christmas fern are two examples of native ferns. Their red-brown spore fronds appear in the summer, while the sensitive fern’s pale red fiddleheads appear in the spring. Lady fern is another native species that grows 1.5 feet tall and tolerates a wide range of soils.
For steep slopes, you can plant native shrubs and perennials with varying root structures. Rhizomes of native plants are useful because they help hold soil in place, thus reducing erosion. A few plants even reseed. They have many beneficial properties. Native plants can help protect your slopes and prevent future damage to your soil and your vegetation. Soil erosion is a problem common to many areas of the world, so consider the following species.
Ramps: This edible spring crop thrives east of the Mississippi. It is an excellent native plant for erosion control because it produces two leaves per plant. In addition, it attracts a variety of beneficial insects and is virtually maintenance free. Chamomile and purple coneflower are other popular native plants for erosion control. There are many more species of ferns to choose from. There is something for everyone in the garden. Just remember to plant native plants only in areas where they will be effective.
Shrubs
For an easy-to-maintain plant that also controls erosion, look for native plants. Native plants can stand up to drought conditions without the need for constant watering. In addition to being drought-tolerant, native plants require minimal pruning and will be deer-resistant. They grow anywhere from two to six feet tall, and they have both silver leaves and blooms. In addition, they’re a boon for bees, which like to visit the flowers and pollen-filled leaves of the shrubs.
Many homeowners choose English Ivy for their landscapes. This invasive species can be a pain, but shrubs with a dense canopy can help stabilize slopes. These plants also provide a shady grove and block damaging winds. Choose shrubs that are native to your area if you’re planting them along a river or stream. Many of these plants have sweet-smelling flowers and do well in moist and shady areas.
Another native plant with erosion-control properties is the beach strawberry. It’s an Asian native with rhizomes that can spread quickly. This plant’s flowering stems produce small white flowers during spring. But if you’re more interested in the foliage, it produces tiny red berries in the fall. Beach strawberry can grow from 12 to 18 feet in height and is pest-free. It’s easy to care for, too!
Forsythia
Forsythia is a deciduous shrub with beautiful blue-green foliage. It grows three feet tall and spreads its big roots outward. The roots stabilize the ground on slopes, and the shrub’s branches root where they come into contact with the soil. Its fall color is stunning, and the red berries it produces are delicious. The shrub can tolerate zones five through eight.
There are 11 species of forsythia, and they all have excellent erosion-control capabilities. These plants are evergreen in some parts of the U.S., and they turn a beautiful shade of red, purple, and yellow in the fall. The flowers appear before the leaves turn green, and then fade to seed capsules that contain the seeds. Planting a forsythia hedge is an excellent choice for controlling erosion because it requires little care and fertilization.
Forsythia bushes are also a great choice for foundation plantings, as their dense foliage makes them look like a living privacy wall. You can also train a weeping variety to grow like a vine. Once established, forsythia bushes are drought-tolerant, but they do require regular pruning. The best time to prune is after they flower. They will not bloom as well if they’re kept in a tight cage.
Cottoneaster
The best cottoneaster plants for erosion control are native species, which thrive in dry regions. These plants will hold their own in drought conditions and provide year-round interest. They are a favorite among birds and pollinators. They come in different varieties, including Rockspray cotoneaster, which grows to about one-to-two feet tall and six feet wide. The branches will spread and grow roots where soil will eventually be exposed. Plants in USDA zones 5 through 8 have a wide variety of uses, including erosion control.
Rock cotoneaster does not grow as low as many other ground cover plants, but it is the perfect choice for hillside erosion control and border space. It grows with evenly branching sprays of foliage and forms a striking herringbone pattern. In addition, it is very drought resistant. It can withstand high temperatures. It is also known to tolerate heavy rainfall. This makes it an excellent choice for use in landscape designs.
The best cottoneaster plants for erosion control are vigorous, spreadable, and resistant to deer nibbling. Choosing the right combination of plants for erosion control is crucial, as the best plants often balance practicality and aesthetic beauty. The prettiest plants are no good if they don’t perform well or in the right conditions. By weighing the practicality of the plants and their ability to combat erosion, you can choose the right ones.
Mondo grass
Mondo grass is a hardy, drought tolerant lawn plant that is perfect for controlling erosion. It is an excellent choice for many areas because of its versatility, and its stoic appearance. However, Mondo grass requires proper drainage. To test the drainage of your soil, dig a hole about 12 inches deep and an inch wide. Fill the hole with water and check the speed of drainage. A well-drained soil will drain at a rate of about 1 inch per hour. On the other hand, if the soil is loose and sandy, you may need to add some organic matter to help retain moisture.
Mondo grass can be grown in several varieties. The dwarf mondo grass is a shorter version with narrow leaves. It is about 2 inches tall and grows in partial to full shade. It spreads much slower than its normal counterpart. Another variety is the super dwarf mondo grass, which grows only a few inches high and is a good choice for shady areas. It also produces berries in the winter.
Liriope muscari is often confused with mondo grass. However, liriopes have thicker roots and are cold-hardier. Mondo grass is generally considered a good choice for erosion control, especially in landscape settings where soil is subjected to frequent erosion. Whether it’s in the landscape or container, mondo grass is an excellent choice.