8
Invasive Non-Vining Ground Covers
Crown Vetch (
Coronilla varia
) has
striking pink flowers. Its bare
woody stems are unattractive in
winter. Often planted along
highways, its seeds spread
invasively.
Control: (1); (10) or (11).
Mints, including Spearmint
(
Mentha spicata
), Ground Ivy, Gill-
Over-the-Ground, Creeping Charlie
(
Glechoma hederacea
), Henbit
(
Lamium amplexicaule
), and Purple
Dead Nettle (
L. purpureum
),
spread by wind-borne seed as well
as by runners.
They grow in sun and shade and
are common lawn weeds which have
spread to woods and wetlands.
Recognize mints by square stems
and a minty smell when crushed.
Plant culinary and ornamental
mints in containers; prevent from
spreading out drainage holes or
over the top.
Note on Herbicides
The Maryland Native Plant
Society strongly recommends
non-chemical methods of
control wherever feasible.
However, for large infestations,
and for a few plants, non-
chemical methods are
inadequate.
Applied carefully to avoid non-
target plants, glyphosate is the
least environmentally damaging
herbicide in most cases.
Roundup contains a stronger
concentration of glyphosate
than Kleen-Up. Both contain a
petroleum-based sticker-
spreader.
Rodeo, the glyphosate
formulation for wetlands, does
not contain any sticker-
spreader and thus is safer for
the environment.
The smallest size of Rodeo
available is one quart of
concentrate, obtainable from
farm supply store for about
$60. Add food coloring for
visibility, and a soap-based
sticker such as Cide-Kick.
For small applications,
another choice is Roundup Sure
Shot Foam, easier to see and
control than liquid Roundup.
Glyphosate is ineffective on
some plants; for these,
triclopyr (Garlon), a stump and
brush killer, may be indicated or
Crossbow, which will not kill
grass.
When using herbicides, read
the entire label and observe all
precautions listed, including
proper disposal. If in doubt, call
your state Extension Service.
Control: (1) (difficult); (2); (6);
(11).
Indian Strawberry (
Duchesnea
indica
). From India, this shade-
tolerant ground cover spreads by
fruit and runners.
Control: (1), taking care to
remove each crown; (6).
Running Bamboos (many species
and genera;
Phyllostachys,
Bambusa,
and
Pseudosasa
are the
most destructive). Many bamboos
send runners great distances,
under pavement and edging.
Once established, they form
impenetrable thickets that are
almost impossible to eradicate.
Plant bamboos only in
containers, never in open soil.
Prevent from spreading out
drainage holes.
Control: (1) – an enormous job;
(10) or (11).
Recommended Native Ground Covers
Evergreen: Golden ragwort (Senecio aureus) and green-and-gold
(Chrysogonum virginianum) have showy yellow flowers in spring and
grow in moist shade. Wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) has lacy white
flowers; it grows in thin, rocky soil in light shade. Moss phlox (Phlox
subulata), the familiar landscape plant, has a looser form in the wild,
and usually has white flowers; it tolerates very poor soil but needs
good drainage.
Semi-evergreen: Allegheny spurge (Pachytsandra procumbens) is
indigenous to the mountains but will grow here. It looks much like its
Japanese cousin.
Deciduous: Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) has kidney-shaped
leaves that seem to sparkle in spring. Not a culinary plant, its roots
do have a gingery scent. it needs moist shade.
Recommended Alternatives to Bamboo
Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), a well-behaved native bamboo, is
indigenous to damp woods and swamps on the coastal plain.
Elsewhere, use native grasses or shrubs.
