The Cape Fear region has many native plants perfectly adapted for local soil and weather conditions and that play important roles in the local ecosys-tem.
They require little maintenance once established, so replacing invasive plants with native vegetation is a win for the gardener and the environment.
LOW-GROWING PLANTS SUITABLE FOR USE AS GROUND COVER INCLUDE:
EASTERN
PRICKLY PEAR
CACTUS
Opuntia humifusa
BLUE PHLOX
Phlox divaricata
WILD GINGER
Asarum canadense
ALLEGHENY
SPURGE
Pachysandra procumbens
GREEN AND
GOLD
Chrysogonum virginianu
NATIVE GRASSES
AND SEDGES
FERNS LIKE:
CHRISTMAS
FERN
Polystichum
acrostichoides and
NORTHERN
MAIDENHAIR
FERN
Adiantum pedatum
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com 35
WBM
NATIVE CLIMBING VINES INCLUDE:
EVERGREEN SHRUBS INCLUDE:
These lists of invasive species and native replacements are far from
exhaustive, so consult county extension centers like the New Hanover
County Extension Service Arboretum for plant recommendations and
advice on reclaiming your garden.
WAX MYRTLE
Morella cerifera
ANISE
Illicium parviflorum
CORAL
HONEYSUCKLE
Lonicera sempervirens
AMERICAN
WISTERIA
Wisteria frutescens
sustainable living
WHAT TO PLANT INSTEAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES
PASSIONFLOWER
Passiflora incarnata
CLIMBING
HYDRANGEA
Decumaria Barbara
DWARF
PALMETTO
Sabal minor
INKBERRY
HOLLY
Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’
EZRA S.F./FLIKR
MICHAEL HICKS/FLIKR
CULTIVAR413/FLIKR JOSHUA MAYER
BUDDHA DOG/FLIKR
HUNDA/FLIKR ZEYNEL CEBECI
ELSA SPEZIO
FOREST AND KIM STAR/FLIKR