![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Western Pennsylvania, celebrated for its picturesque Allegheny Mountains and the Laurel Highlands’ lush valleys, is home to a rich variety of native plants. The region’s distinct landscapes provide an ideal setting for sustainable gardens, which is why we’ve created a list of the best native plants for Western Pennsylvania. There are several beneficial reasons to […]
\n","content":"\nWestern Pennsylvania, celebrated for its picturesque Allegheny Mountains and the Laurel Highlands’ lush valleys, is home to a rich variety of native plants. The region’s distinct landscapes provide an ideal setting for sustainable gardens, which is why we’ve created a list of the best native plants for Western Pennsylvania.
\n\n\n\nThere are several beneficial reasons to grow native plants. Native plants:
\n\n\n\nGrowing native plants of Western Pennsylvania helps you make a colorful, well-balanced environment in your own yard. If you’re excited to learn about native plants, we have some great options for your Western Pennsylvania garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a popular native wildflower with bright yellow flowers and a dark brown central cone. This eye-catching plant graces gardens from spring until early fall, providing a long-lasting burst of color. Not only does it add aesthetic appeal, but the black-eyed Susan also plays a crucial role in attracting butterflies and various pollinators, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Depending on growing conditions, it can act as a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly poisonous to livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; can self-seed freely; this plant becomes aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud, a stunning deciduous native tree, thrives in the Western Pennsylvania region, boasting vibrant pink flowers. The heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful fall color, making it a great addition to any landscape. Renowned for its beauty and hardiness, the eastern redbud is an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, yet visually striking native plant in the Southwest region of the state.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low; since this tree is not meant to transplant, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed; needs occasional pruning
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed columbine is a native woodland wildflower featuring delicate red and yellow flowers. It blooms in spring and summer, adding a splash of color to your landscape, and is highly favored by hummingbirds. This plant is an excellent low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking to create a wildlife-friendly environment.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate; water weekly or whenever soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew England aster boasts vibrant purple or blue blossoms that flourish in late summer and fall, enticing butterflies and various pollinators. This stunning plant offers a crucial late-season nectar source for local wildlife, contributing to the region’s ecological balance and natural beauty. This makes New England aster a top choice for those looking to create an eco-friendly and visually stunning garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4a to 8b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium; may require staking or other support if it grows tall; pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Wreath](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wreath-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWreath goldenrod, a native perennial wildflower, boasts vibrant yellow blossoms that bloom in Western Pennsylvania during late summer and fall. This plant not only adds a vivid splash of color to the landscape but also serves as a crucial food source for pollinators. Incorporating Wreath Goldenrod into your garden is an excellent way to support local ecosystems while enhancing your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained acidic and neutral soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Aniche scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed, a native perennial wildflower, showcases vibrant pink flowers that bloom in summer and fall. This plant is crucial for Monarch butterflies, acting as a host for their larvae. Ideal for marsh or wetland gardens, swamp milkweed is an excellent addition to any Western Pennsylvania landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Mucky clay soils; neutral to acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/butterfly_weed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native perennial wildflower with bright orange flowers that bloom in late spring to early fall. It is an important host plant for monarch butterflies and provides nectar for various pollinators. Incorporating butterfly weed into your garden not only adds color but also contributes to a healthy ecosystem in the Southwest Pennsylvania region.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to people, pets, and other animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Scarlet-Bee-Balm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScarlet beebalm is a native perennial wildflower with showy, tubular red or pink flowers that bloom in late spring to mid-fall. This vibrant plant is a favorite among hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, creating a lively atmosphere in any garden. Furthermore, scarlet beebalm is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and resistant to deer and rabbits, ensuring a thriving and beautiful garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, acidic, rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Minty
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet tall, but can get to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal Flower is a native perennial wildflower with striking red flowers. Renowned for its ability to attract hummingbirds, this vibrant plant adds a brilliant pop of color to any landscape.
\n\n\n\nThriving in various soil types and shades, the cardinal flower can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to naturalize make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners in the region.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early fall, late summer, mid-summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and other animals if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nDiscover the ideal native plants for your western Pennsylvania garden by considering your outdoor space’s specific characteristics and conditions. Use this guide to help you choose the best native plants for your outdoor oasis:
\n\n\n\nMoreover, it’s best to look for plants that are well-suited to your region’s USDA hardiness zone, which for Western Pennsylvania ranges from 5 to 7. By selecting plants that thrive in your area, you’ll have a healthier and more sustainable garden.
\n\n\n\nPlants native to Pittsburgh include:
\n\n\n\nThe wetlands in Allegheny County provide a unique habitat for various native plants. Some popular choices include swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). These plants are well-suited for wetland environments and will add beauty and functionality to your local landscape.
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting a native tree for Pittsburgh’s urban environment, it’s crucial to choose a native plant species that can tolerate pollution, limited space, and varying soil conditions. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a good choice because it is hardy, attractive, and beneficial for the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nEncouraging pollinators to visit your garden is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In Washington County, consider planting native species such as wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). These plants will provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the area.
\n\n\n\nTransform your western Pennsylvania garden into a breathtaking oasis using native plants. To get started on your botanical quest, consider visiting well-regarded native plant nurseries in Western Pennsylvania, as recommended by the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nPlanting native plant species is only one of many low-maintenance landscaping ideas for people living in Western Pennsylvania. To further enhance your outdoor haven, research the best grass seeds for your specific county to complement your native plant selections.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to invest in proper yard care to preserve your landscape’s health and beauty. Connect with a lawn care pro near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging needs. We have trusted pros in Pittsburgh and many other cities throughout Western Pennsylvania.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh / GPA Photo Archive / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Western Pennsylvania","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4962593516209477,"src":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1789c/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg","srcSet":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/107df/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 320w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/293e9/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 500w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/f2cbb/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 800w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1789c/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 960w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/c26c2/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1dd6e/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/67b76/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 320w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/8df11/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 500w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/98a65/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 800w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/1dd6e/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 960w,\n/static/872233a56978bd1b8bc584509631c9af/3cc96/Phipps-Conservatory-Sunken-Garden-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Western Pennsylvania","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the best native plants for your Western Pennsylvania landscape, and learn where to get native plants in your area."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"9ddf1015-f743-58b7-88ab-d055fc233d8a","slug":"best-native-plants-knoxville","path":"/lawn-care/tn/knoxville/best-native-plants-knoxville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"985b5d1a-386d-5359-895c-ba65265ef522","name":"Knoxille","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/knoxville/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"5b679b70-01bd-54c3-aa31-693dd631b9f5","name":"Tennessee","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tn/"}],"date":"April 4th, 2023","excerpt":"Knoxville’s moderate climate and ample rainfall supports a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. These native plants offer advantages over non-native species, some of which may not thrive in Eastern Tennessee’s unique climate. Here is a look at 12 gorgeous native plants for your Knoxville landscape. In […]
\n","content":"\nKnoxville’s moderate climate and ample rainfall supports a variety of beautiful native plants that can add color and texture to your garden. These native plants offer advantages over non-native species, some of which may not thrive in Eastern Tennessee’s unique climate.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at 12 gorgeous native plants for your Knoxville landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAs you can see, native plants are easier to maintain and better for the environment. Let’s take a look at the best native plants for Knoxville lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virginia-Bluebell-Mertensia-Virginica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can enhance the appearance of any garden because they feature colors that aren’t normally seen in the area. They bloom in the spring and disappear for the rest of the year. Virginia bluebells look especially beautiful when they are in full bloom.
\n\n\n\nVirginia bluebells can grow about one or two feet in height and require little maintenance. Bluebell blossoms are bell-shaped, and each flower has approximately five petals.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; can’t survive in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that produces red berries in winter that birds love to eat. The leaves of the tree are long and elliptical. The axils of winterberry leaves contain delicate and radially symmetrical white flowers arranged in small clusters.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 60 feet tall and 49 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed, also known as butterfly milkweed, consist of large clusters of orange flowers. Thanks to their bright color, they attract many pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed blooms throughout the summer and grows well in full sun. They burst open in the fall to reveal their white, soft, and fluffy seeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, high drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Geranium-Geranium-Maculatum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums are a great choice for Knoxville lawns. They are highly versatile and attractive, with flowers in beautiful shades of pink and lavender. Wild geraniums bloom from late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWild geraniums grow well in full sun or partial shade and perform best in moist soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs high watering during the growth period. Once matured, it requires watering only in drought conditions.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to children. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bee-Balm-Monarda-Didyma.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nBee balm features beautiful bright red, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It is a summer bloomer, and its seed heads are a food source for songbirds during fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves and stems of bee balms have a minty fragrance as they are part of the mint family. They perform best under full sun and moist soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"River](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/River-Oats-Chasmanthium-Latifolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nRiver oats are low-maintenance, native cool-season perennial ornamental grass that can increase the appearance of your lawn. They have showy seed heads that can add diversity to your yard.
\n\n\n\nRiver oats bloom from late summer to early fall, and the seed heads turn light brown as the season progresses. The seed heads only appear during summer and stay for about three months. River oats tolerate drought well once they establish a healthy root system.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/woodland-phlox-phlox-divaricata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox is a beautiful shade-tolerant flower that blooms in spring for about a month and produces dainty petals in various pastel colors, including white, lavender, pink, or blue. Woodland phlox appears as a leafy green mound for the rest of the year.
\n\n\n\nWoodland phlox grows up to 1.5 feet tall but spreads slowly. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderates. Tolerates medium-dry and medium-wet soils.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/White-Wakerobin-Trillium-Grandiflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin are also known as sweet white trillium. As the name suggests, they emit a sweet odor. They bloom between late spring and early summer and are showy, especially in full bloom. The petals start white and turn slightly pink as they age.
\n\n\n\nWhite wakerobin have dark purplish ovaries in the center. They attract bees, moths, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 2 feet tall and a foot spread
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Requires frequent watering when newly planted. Once grown, you don’t need to water them frequently.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic to humans when eaten. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elderberry-Sambucus-Nigra.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nElderberries are edible, fast-growing plants that can grow in partly shady areas. They sprout white flowers during late spring and produce dark purple or black edible berries in late summer or sometimes early fall. Elderberries look beautiful and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Edible plant
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright lemon- to lime-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full shade; can tolerate partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans when consumed raw. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bottlebrush-Buckeye-Aesculus-Parviflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendy Cutler / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeye is an attractive deciduous shrub that blooms in summer. When it blooms, it displays white flower clusters that are long and fluffy. Unlike other buckeyes, bottlebrush retains its foliage well into fall.
\n\n\n\nBottlebrush buckeyes require low maintenance and are more resistant to diseases and insects. They have a slow growth rate. But once grown, their flowers can attract varieties of butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie-Aster-Machaeranthera-Tanacetifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Net
\n\n\n\nPrairie aster is an attractive wildflower that requires low maintenance. They grow best under full sun and in loamy, well-drained soil. They bloom from late summer to mid-fall. During their bloom period, the petals appear violet with yellowish centers.
\n\n\n\nThe bright colors of prairie asters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The center portion of the flower turns purple once it is pollinated.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Pale blue-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Solomons-Seal-Polygonatum-Biflorum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Charles T. Bryson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nSolomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial plant species. It blooms from late spring to early summer in attractive flowers of pink, white, and green. These flowers later turn into blackish berries that birds love.
\n\n\n\nAs Solomon’s seal grows, it slowly spreads, making it an excellent ground cover. The plant’s foliage looks unique and adds diversity to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High during summer and low during winter.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nThe right plant for your Knoxville lawn depends on various factors, such as sunlight, soil, and water needs. Not just that.
\n\n\n\nYou should know your location’s hardiness zone before purchasing a plant. Knoxville’s hardiness zone is 7a, meaning the average annual least temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the plants listed here are native to Tennessee, they can thrive in cool weather.
\n\n\n\nSumming up, research thoroughly and choose a plant that you can maintain and that suits the characteristics of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can buy these plants from local nurseries. But wait! Before you visit your local garden center, make sure to take a look around your yard, as some of these native plants might be already growing there.
\n\n\n\nIf there’s no native plant in your yard, you can visit these Knoxville nurseries.
\n\n\n\nBuilding a healthy and appealing landscape doesn’t just stop by choosing the best native plant. You should also select the best grass type for your Knoxville lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you wish to keep your yard lush and healthy, consider hiring Wikilawn’s lawn care experts.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
\n","title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/107df/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/293e9/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/f2cbb/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1789c/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/c26c2/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/67b76/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 320w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/8df11/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 500w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/98a65/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 800w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/1dd6e/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 960w,\n/static/9714a5c3661ffd8bd9eb338092a62cd0/3cc96/Native-Plants-for-Knoxville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"12 Best Native Plants for Knoxville, TN | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Knoxville is replete with natural beauty, so it makes sense to bring native plants into your yard that blend with the surrounding flora."}}},{"node":{"id":"0bba1bda-9590-5771-b765-07fd5f17569e","slug":"best-grass-types-hartford","path":"/lawn-care/ct/hartford/best-grass-types-hartford/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e5749cce-e649-530f-ab65-97c08883af12","name":"Connecticut","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/"},{"id":"fed6ff53-c40d-5845-824c-3ad4c27fab37","name":"Hartford","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/hartford/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"March 22nd, 2023","excerpt":"Hartford is a city of historic landmarks, green parks, and beautiful gardens. There are many inspiring sights, from the scenery of the Connecticut River to the blossoms of Elizabeth Park. If you’re looking to add some natural beauty to your own backyard, you’re in the right place. Let’s discuss which type of grass is best […]
\n","content":"\nHartford is a city of historic landmarks, green parks, and beautiful gardens. There are many inspiring sights, from the scenery of the Connecticut River to the blossoms of Elizabeth Park. If you’re looking to add some natural beauty to your own backyard, you’re in the right place.
\n\n\n\nLet’s discuss which type of grass is best for your Hartford backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nNot every type of grass is suitable for Hartford’s climate and soil conditions. Grass types are divided into two main categories:
\n\n\n\nHartford has warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters. That means that cool-season grasses are the best choice for Hartford’s climate. Find out more about the best grasses for Hartford below.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kentucky-Bluegrass-2.jpg\")
Pilot138-17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-quality, blue-green grass that thrives in direct sunlight. Because of its cold resistance, it’s especially popular in the northern parts of the country. Another of its advantages is that if it suffers damage, it can self-repair.
\n\n\n\nThis grass does well in cold climates but can have trouble in poor soil and excessive heat. It grows slowly and doesn’t tolerate shade as well as other varieties of grass. It also has shallow roots, which is why it needs a lot of water.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, Kentucky bluegrass is vulnerable to diseases and pests more than other grass types. That’s why it’s often mixed with other grasses, such as perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Underground stems (known as rhizomes)
Shade tolerance: Partial shade to full sun
Drought tolerance: High but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: Provide an inch of water weekly; mow every 5 to 7 days; fertilize 1 to 3 times a year
Recommended mowing height: 1 to 3 inches
![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Poa-Trivialis-Winterplay.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRough bluegrass is similar to Kentucky bluegrass, but with a few distinct differences. It’s a yellow and light-green grass with a rougher texture that grows in areas with more shade.
\n\n\n\nHowever, this grass is less resistant to heat and needs more shade and moisture in the summer. It doesn’t mix with other grasses as well as its counterpart. Rough bluegrass also has poor wear tolerance and doesn’t salt well. Additionally, it has a medium-to-high potential for disease.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance needs: High
Recommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass stands out for its low maintenance and rapid growth. This medium-to-dark green grass tolerates cold and is resistant to damage once it’s been established. Because of its strength, perennial ryegrass is sometimes mixed with other grass types, like Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nOf course, this grass type comes with cons, too. It doesn’t do well in heat and has low resistance to diseases and pests. If it suffers damage, it won’t self-repair. On the upside, it will grow back quickly if you reseed it. But then again, this grass spreads so quickly and aggressively that it may become an issue. If you’re going to get perennial ryegrass, make sure you manage it carefully.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Produces neither rhizomes nor stolons; you’ll need to seed or lay sod on the entire lawn to grow this grass
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Moderate, depending on the variety
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Mow and water frequently; fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
Recommended mowing height: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ty Haller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a medium-to-dark green, versatile grass type that’s excellent at withstanding heat, foot traffic, diseases, and weeds. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Tall fescue grows quickly and doesn’t need much maintenance except frequent mowing to keep its height in check.
\n\n\n\nOn the downside, this grass won’t repair itself if damaged, but it can be reseeded. It should then grow back relatively quickly.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Grows in clumps and spreads through tillers (vertical shoots that grow from the base of the plant)
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Best to mow weekly; requires minimal fertilization; water as needed or it will go dormant
Recommended mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches
There are many kinds of fine fescue to choose from, but generally, this grass type is versatile and low maintenance. It’s a medium to dark green grass that withstands both full sun and partial shade and is relatively drought resistant (although it may go dormant in drought).
\n\n\n\nFine fescue isn’t resistant to diseases and wear and tear, so take care of it and keep foot traffic to a minimum. Also, be careful with fertilizers. Too many fertilizers can cause high thatch levels, which can choke the grass and lead to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (modified stems that run underground)
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate to low; not best for heavy foot traffic
Maintenance needs: Mow every 2 to 3 weeks until growth slows in the summer; fertilize 2 to 4 times a year; aerate once a year
Recommended mowing height: 3 to 3.5 inches
If you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider planting fine fescue. Just make sure you mow it regularly to keep its height between 2.5 and 4 inches. It should never be shorter than 2 inches.
Kentucky bluegrass is your best option, especially during winter. It’s excellent at repairing itself but is more susceptible to damage during warmer months. Alternatively, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue both tolerate foot traffic. However, they’ll need reseeding if damage occurs. On the upside, they grow back quickly.
If your lawn is shaded, fine fescue grass, tall fescue grass, and rough bluegrass are all good choices.
Kentucky bluegrass is soft, withstands foot traffic, and repaiurs itself. Again, just take note that it’s less resistant during warm months.
When you’re deciding on the best grass for your Hartford lawn, consider a variety of factors, including your personal aesthetic preferences, how the lawn will be used, and maintenance requirements. This guide should help you get a picture of how Hartford grasses differ from each other.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to establish a beautiful lawn for the years to come, your next step could be adding native Hartford plants. These plants are well suited to the local climate and soil conditions. That means they require less maintenance and are beneficial to the environment. Make sure you also research how to care for your lawn at each time of the year.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your lawn is no easy task. It involves consistent effort and knowledge of the specific needs of your plants. You can keep your lawn green and healthy with services from WikiLawn’s Hartford lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Ragesoss / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Hartford, Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1789c/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg","srcSet":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/107df/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 320w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/293e9/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 500w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/f2cbb/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 800w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1789c/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 960w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/c26c2/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1dd6e/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/67b76/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 320w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/8df11/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 500w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/98a65/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 800w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/1dd6e/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 960w,\n/static/97f82f1f984786d4a838323a903b294c/3cc96/Daniel-Hosmer-House-in-West-Hartford.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Hartford, Connecticut","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Which are the best grass types for your Hartford yard, and what are their pros and cons? Read on to find out."}}},{"node":{"id":"167b6609-1ff4-518e-8d07-5cc7f9204797","slug":"best-grass-types-virginia-beach","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/best-grass-types-virginia-beach/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"When the delightful spring season kicks in, Virginia Beach residents look to make the most of their green yard by throwing parties or playing games, such as lawn bowls. On the other hand, some might feel less optimistic with a tired and grim-looking turf. Since Virginia lies in the transition zone, the best grass types […]
\n","content":"\nWhen the delightful spring season kicks in, Virginia Beach residents look to make the most of their green yard by throwing parties or playing games, such as lawn bowls. On the other hand, some might feel less optimistic with a tired and grim-looking turf. Since Virginia lies in the transition zone, the best grass types for Virginia Beach include cool- and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nTransition zone homeowners enjoy a moderate climate with hot summers and cold winters. Because Virginia Beach is in the southeasternmost part of the transition zone, the warmer weather makes warm-season grasses the popular pick. The upcoming sections will help you learn more about these grass types and their characteristics.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a rule of thumb, selecting the right cool- or warm-season grass based on your planting zone is vital.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive when the average daytime temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in early spring and fall, entering a dormancy period in summer and winter. Cool-season grasses grow in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and most of the Northeastern regions.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, warm-season grasses thrive when daytime temperatures range from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They actively grow in late spring and summer, entering winter dormancy when temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm-season grass performs well in humid regions like the Gulf and Southeast.
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach homeowners enjoy a moderate climate, allowing them to choose from either of the following grass types:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass is a warm-season grass that thrives in mild climates, making it ideal for transition zones like Virginia Beach. Compared to other warm-season grass, it has the slowest growth rate. Centipedegrass needs proper soil preparation and planting conditions in order to thrive. It has a relatively shallow root system, and spreads laterally via stolons. Unfortunately, its low traffic tolerance means you need to avoid some of those intense lawn games.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a versatile grass that is adaptable to a wide range of climates. It is well-suited in southern transitional areas where cool- and warm-season grasses meet their climate limits.
\n\n\n\nSometimes called ‘bunchgrass’, tall fescue grows in clumps and spreads primarily through tillers. This makes it easy to contain and keep out of flower beds. If you enjoy lawn games with your family and friends, then the Kentucky 31 tall fescue variety is a good option that tolerates high traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, commonly known as wiregrass, is the fastest growing turfgrass used on lawns. It grows actively from late spring through hot summer months. Unlike other grass types, bermudagrass spreads by both stolons and rhizomes. It is not known for its severe cold tolerance, and can recover quickly if damaged. Bermudagrass produces a dense, light to dark green turf with excellent wear and salt tolerance.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is ideal for those living along the coast, including Virginia Beach. There are no seeds for this type of grass, so they can only be established as sod or grass plugs. If you’re looking for a tropical aesthetic, St. Augustinegrass has thick blades that don’t grow very dense. Despite its low traffic tolerance, this species is the most shade-tolerant of all the warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate. It is the most shade tolerant warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nChoosing zoysiagrass will give you a beautiful, dense lawn with little maintenance. It stands up to heat and heavy foot traffic, though it is less drought-tolerant than bermudagrass. It is a slow grower, but can be an aggressive spreader that takes over weeds and other plants. To keep zoysiagrass from forming a dense mat of thatch, core aeration in the early summer is highly recommended.
\n\n\n\nOverall, zoysiagrass is suitable for families that use their lawns for games and entertainment.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is the best adapted turfgrass used for lawns across Virginia. In addition to the positive factors mentioned above, there are over 100 cultivars of turf-type fescues available for Virginia homeowners to choose from.
Zoysiagrass is arguably the best low-maintenance grass for your lawn. Thanks to its deep root system, it is versatile and able to grow in various conditions. Despite being a warm-season grass, it is a highly popular choice among Virginia Beach residents.
Sports-turf grasses are usually the ‘toughest’, as they would obviously need to endure heavy use. Bermudagrass is one of the best options for athletic fields due to its rapid recovery and growth. It is a warm-season grass that highly tolerates drought. One downside is that it grows very poorly in the shade.
Virginia Beach sits well in the transition zone. In addition to various cultivars, a mix of cool- and warm-season grass can thrive comfortably in the area. Before choosing a certain grass type, you should consider your property type, yard size, and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve selected the most suitable grass, you might want to add some native Virginia Beach plants to help boost the ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nLawn maintenance may sometimes be a difficult task, and some homeowners prefer leaving it to the pros. Contact a local lawn care professional to help you get a healthy, lush green lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"5 Best Grass Types for Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5247776365946633,"src":"/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/1789c/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/107df/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/293e9/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/f2cbb/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/1789c/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/c26c2/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/1dd6e/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/67b76/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp 320w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/8df11/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp 500w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/98a65/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp 800w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/1dd6e/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp 960w,\n/static/2c85d5ee3625d470ce5e857898e32ea4/3cc96/lawn-in-virginia-beach-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Best Grass Types for Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With a variety of cool- and warm-season grasses to choose from, the following article will help you explore the best grass types for Virginia Beach."}}},{"node":{"id":"a7921643-9997-5030-ae4b-449afa0fc0a4","slug":"best-native-plants-portland","path":"/lawn-care/oregon/portland/best-native-plants-portland/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"b01c7937-99d7-5473-926c-97b8b9c1c454","name":"Oregon","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/"},{"id":"c32f974b-3776-5b5e-9d95-bf0f285dc5e4","name":"Portland","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oregon/portland/"}],"date":"May 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Located in the northwest of Oregon, Portland is a unique city with its endless landscapes, panoramic vistas, and beautiful hiking trails. You can truly enjoy the endless wonders that mother nature has to offer. With the best native plants for Portland, you can have a piece of that natural landscape in your own backyard. Taking […]
\n","content":"\nLocated in the northwest of Oregon, Portland is a unique city with its endless landscapes, panoramic vistas, and beautiful hiking trails. You can truly enjoy the endless wonders that mother nature has to offer. With the best native plants for Portland, you can have a piece of that natural landscape in your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nTaking into consideration Portland’s climate and its plant hardiness zone, we have come up with a native plants list to help you get started on redefining your outdoor landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nPortland lies in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b and 9a. When doing your research, make sure the plants you select are suitable for this city in Multnomah County. Plants that are listed as native to Oregon may not necessarily thrive in Portland. They could be more suitable for southern or eastern parts of the state.
\n\n\n\nThe plants we’ve covered below are a great fit for your Portland lawn:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/15037160035_4ed81031c8_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVine maple is most commonly grown as a large shrub, but also works as a small to medium-sized tree. It develops multi trunks with reddish-green bark. Its foliage is bright green in spring, with attractive shades of orange and red in the fall. Vine maple has tiny purple and white flowers that are borne in short clusters, followed by red-winged fruits that are consumed by mammals and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nTo control this native tree’s shape, prune during the dormant season. Vine maple performs well in cooler climates, and can be used as a very attractive lawn specimen.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Small tree, shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness zones: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, clay, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Amelancheir_alnifolia_-_Saskatoon_serviceberry_-_Flickr_-_Matt_Lavin-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSaskatoon serviceberry is a deciduous plant that can be used as an attractive, ornamental shrub. Known for being drought-tolerant, the shrub has a foliage of light green leaves that turn orange-red in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIn mid-spring, compact clusters of white flowers emerge just before the leaves. They are followed by sweet, blue-colored berries in early summer. These berries are consumed by both humans and songbirds. Additionally, saskatoon serviceberry is a great plant for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy or sandy; well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lightly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 16 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Red-Alder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis medium-sized, deciduous tree is the largest American alder. It has a thin, smooth bark that is often covered with moss. In early to mid-spring, long male catkins dangle like Christmas decorations near the bare branch tips. They release clouds of pollen that attract bees and other insects.
\n\n\n\nAlder species support 255 species of caterpillars, and provide shelter for many native birds. Consider adding red alder to your landscape and help boost Portland’s ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and delicate spice scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 50 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Redosier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRed osier dogwood is a medium-sized, ornamental shrub that adds beauty to the winter landscape. It has a rapid growth rate, and is adaptable to most soils. Its foliage consists of medium to dark green leaves which turn red-purple in fall. This perennial shrub produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers that give way to clusters of white berries. These attractive berries are often devoured by birds.
\n\n\n\nRed osier dogwood is a highly-attractive perennial that adds color in the dull and snowy months of winter.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Distinctive and pleasant smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oregon](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oregon-White-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: MyName (Jamidwyer (talk)) / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative to the West Coast, the Oregon white oak is a perennial tree that may live up to 500 years. It develops narrow crowns with small branches on clear, straight stems. Male and female flowers appear separately with new foliage in spring. The acorns ripen from August to November during the first season after flowering.
\n\n\n\nMore importantly, both the acorns and foliage are a valuable source of high-protein food for many animals. Plating white oaks will be your way of supporting Portland’s wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, gravelly soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: 7 to 9
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 90 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Acorns and young leaves are poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bitter-Cherry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis deciduous, shrub-like tree is commonly used in bird or bee gardens. With a silvery-gray bark, this native perennial produces white flowers which grow in thickets. They are followed by small, fleshy drupes which are red-black in color. Adding to that, the fruit is inedible to humans. With its attractive flowers and fruit, bitter cherry is an aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist soils with good drainage
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Soft honey scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 45 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Seeds found inside the fruits contain poisonous substances and should not be eaten
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Oregon](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Oregon-Grape-Holly.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The original uploader was Meggar at English Wikipedia. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOregon grape holly is an evergreen, ornamental shrub that is the state flower of Oregon. Its foliage of evergreen leaves emerges bronze-red in spring before turning burgundy in fall. In spring, bright golden-yellow flowers appear just before the leaves. They are lightly-fragrant and attract many pollinators. These flowers are followed by edible berries that resemble small grapes and attract wildlife.
\n\n\n\nOverall, Oregon grape holly is another great addition to your backyard, attracting pollinators and supporting the local wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers smell like honey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low, average
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pacific-Bleeding-Heart-Dicentra-formosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPacific bleeding heart is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial that is easily grown in fertile, well-drained soils. It is adorned with a gray-green foliage and short racemes of nodding, heart-shaped flowers. They bloom from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that the foliage may aggravate skin allergies, so wear gloves when handling this herbaceous perennial.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Flowers have a delicate, sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts may cause stomach upset if ingested. Foliage may aggravate skin allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Man's](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bigleaf-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Geographer at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBigleaf maple is a large, deciduous tree with a rounded crown of massive, spreading branches. It is the largest maple species in North America. The deeply-lobed leaves mature to dark green before turning yellowish-orange in the fall. They give way to two-winged samaras that turn brown when ripe.
\n\n\n\nIt requires very little pruning, and attracts many wildlife species. Bigleaf maple is perfect for homeowners who wish to keep a low-maintenance lawn.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned before, not all Oregon native plants are suitable for Portland. In addition to that, you need to consider the following key points when choosing plants for your garden:
\n\n\n\nAs their name suggests, invasive plants are not native to Portland or the state of Oregon. They invade sites where Portland native plants grow, deny their proper growth, and even harm the local wildlife habitat. Learning about invasive plants and how to deal with them will help preserve your area’s ecosystem.
According to Oregon State University, here are some invasive plant species found in Portland:
• Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
• English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
The Pacific Northwest offers a variety of edible fruit plants that we can locate and enjoy. After all, they are Portland native plants that can be found throughout nature. Despite the upcoming plant list, you must always be cautious with the plant you pick fruits off. If you’re not sure whether a specific fruit is edible, just be safe and avoid it altogether.
Below are some edible fruit plants in the city of Portland:
• Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
• Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
• Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
• Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflora)
Portland’s climate allows cool-season grasses to thrive. Warm-season grasses are not recommended for this area, as they are not simply not suited for the weather conditions in northern Oregon.
The most common grasses planted in Portland are mixtures of perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
If your lawn has to endure heavy foot traffic, Kentucky bluegrass is the perfect it. Perennial ryegrass is known for its rapid growth, and its adaptability in drought conditions. Based on your lifestyle and lawn needs, be sure to select the proper type of turfgrass.
Plant species native to Portland naturally grow in wetlands, national parks, forests, or even near your home. But if you’re struggling to locate them, there are several nurseries that sell native plants, including Birds and Bees Nursery, Garden Fever!, and Livingscape Nursery.
\n\n\n\nOther Portland native plants to consider include:
\n\n\n\nLooking to revamp your outdoor living space? With several low-maintenance landscaping ideas that include xeriscaping features and native perennials, you can design a distinctive and attractive outdoor space with minimal yard work.
\n\n\n\nA low-maintenance lawn will still need some amount of care. Hire a lawn care professional near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, edging, or trimming.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pioneer Courthouse Square / David Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Portland, Oregon","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/1789c/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/107df/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg 320w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/293e9/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg 500w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/f2cbb/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg 800w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/1789c/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg 960w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/c26c2/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/1dd6e/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/67b76/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp 320w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/8df11/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp 500w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/98a65/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp 800w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/1dd6e/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp 960w,\n/static/4990b1f16dffba660740e077df41dcec/3cc96/Pioneer-Courthouse-Square-Portland-OR.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Portland, Oregon","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This article will explore the best native plants for Portland, along with their characteristics and benefits for the local wildlife habitat."}}},{"node":{"id":"080b57bb-a573-55f1-975f-6e90d5bf61aa","slug":"how-to-grow-grass-in-shade","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-grow-grass-in-shade/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 30th, 2019","excerpt":"When we dream of a perfect landscape, we envision two features that are sometimes at odds with each other: beautiful, green grass and graceful, mature trees. Anyone who has both can tell you that growing grass in the shade of trees is a tall order. If you have shady areas where your turf grass seems […]
\n","content":"\nWhen we dream of a perfect landscape, we envision two features that are sometimes at odds with each other: beautiful, green grass and graceful, mature trees. Anyone who has both can tell you that growing grass in the shade of trees is a tall order. If you have shady areas where your turf grass seems to suffer, this guide to growing grass in the shade will help.
\n\n\n\nThe good news: A healthy lawn and a tree canopy can peacefully co-exist.
\n\n\n\nThe first step to growing grass in shady areas is understanding why it’s a challenging environment for turf. Turfgrass needs air, light, water, and nutrients to grow. Trees can stand in the way of these nutrients reaching your lawn. The canopy of a large tree blocks the sun from filtering through to the grass below, which is the first big issue. Even the most shade-tolerant grasses need four to six hours of sunlight each day to thrive.
\n\n\n\nMost trees have extensive, shallow root systems that spread out beneath the canopy. Tree roots absorb nutrients and oxygen from the soil, depriving the grass roots of necessary elements. Making it even tougher, fallen leaves can further impede air circulation and sunlight from reaching the turf. Grass growing in shady areas also tends to grow shallow roots, making the grass weaker and more susceptible to disease and pests.
\n\n\n\nMany shade-tolerant grasses can tolerate living in the shadow of canopy trees. The key is identifying the best grass variety for your growing area. The first thing to identify is whether you will need a warm-season grass or cool-season grass to overseed your shady areas.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the southern part of the U.S., you’ll want to choose a warm-season grass such as St. Augustinegrass, buffalo grass, Zoysiagrass, or centipede grass. If you live in a more northern area, you’ll want to go with a cool-season grass such as fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or Kentucky bluegrass. In general, cool-season grass types have a higher shade tolerance than warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/xGYKX_sS3vC018m8xcXrpK5gJPe5_1M3H5dZDx8Ve3HxOs1lC-1plSWhpSBKY9IsgibQNI0FNOfSA6_nlgTJpTP13bcAQd4-1HgHjBvwwJoBIYYCH1PgiHQYKKHnRKH57523od-i\")
“Despite your best efforts, it may not be possible to successfully grow grass in some areas,” states Richard Jauron, an expert horticulturist at Iowa State University. “For example, growing conditions under hard maples are extremely difficult.” In places where the canopy is dense, Jauron suggests growing grass alternatives or shade-tolerant ground covers.
\n\n\n\nA ground cover can be as simple as mulch or wood chips arranged around the base of trees. Just make sure mulch doesn’t touch the tree trunks. Planting low-maintenance garden beds in shady areas can also fill in the area without the hassle of lawn maintenance. Plants including hostas, pachysandra, ferns, and liriope are ideal species for under the tree canopy.
\n\n\n\nKeeping your shaded turf looking its best is a challenge, but well worth it. With a little effort and some smart strategy, you can have a healthy lawn or landscape even in the shadiest corners of your yard.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Shade tree,” tonya, CC2.0
Homowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus […]
\n","content":"\nHomowners can’t be blamed for getting frustrated if, after putting many hours of hard work into a creating a beautiful lawn, they find weeds cropping up. The weather in Columbus, Ohio, contributes to the weed population with hot and humid summers and periods of heavy rainfall. Being proactive and controlling the worst weeds in Columbus is possible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Poison](\"https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/31/20/20/poison-ivy-1634562_960_720.jpg\")
The State of Ohio has defined 31 weeds as noxious and deserving eradication anywhere they’re found on public right-of-ways. They’re a good starting point for homeowners looking to create their own “most unwanted” list, too. The weeds may be grassy or broadleaf. Some even have striking blooms and florets. Of about 700 nonnative plants found in Columbus and the rest of the Buckeye State, fewer than 100 of them are problems in natural areas. But all Ohio weeds can damage grass and gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe City of Columbus Code Enforcement division considers grass to be too high when it exceeds 12 inches. Noxious weeds that can cause unhealthy or unsafe conditions, such as poison ivy, oak or sumac, must be removed promptly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AMvCybT5Ft9BTQK9NW6ebzgJySy7nhjSjE-DUTGtS-tnZNtfGtnBERndagGOhIwsO1Y3cTb57Z7vwMKXkr11OxHs59KAboIv8JoMsPFvkBNygbDW8jrXt0gavU9doL73dJrRMdXT\")
Bittercress is that winter weed with long stems and tiny white blooms that crops up every year. Pulling it up by hand with a weeding tool is recommended, but not always practical. Treating bittercress with chemical herbicide poses a risk to people, pets, and the environment. A pre-emergent herbicide product applied in late summer or early fall will prevent the seeds from germinating. The problem? Pre-emergents also stop grass seed from growing. Products containing MCPP or dicamba may be effective.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3IunA4uMZLgePLApFvlo3DFe2aWhKaMl18-wWGVsHhpZLRaW00zoe1iJEUqtPlTVlzWFh8X2L2TKXUSHPPjlCY6G7KkaccrZpGPSEDpm1i4n18n1bFg7cwoQX3ofk99lH72dnX2Y\")
This invasive plant is rather attractive for a weed, with tiny white florets on a pinecone-like spike. Post-emergent weed killers are helpful but may need several applications.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chickweed,](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VbcGgnm2p0lsuJZ_Cj4JUwOyzkVgU_GIrypVa4VDrqcsfWkLxthEm6JJ5TaOqzbkRvvUddoDodrYL6ggppV7oh2jEK8H0zauvCnE2wYKSs9c9KT88oWP-pqfDQBrAQpS6FgfVUDg\")
One of the most common grassy flower weeds, chickweed is a favorite of honeybees and other pollinating insects. The thin green stems with white flower buds are difficult to control without killing off the surrounding vegetation. The best way to remove shallow chickweed roots is to pull them out by hand and then aerate the soil. Watch out for bees!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P0lWBEYObh6ResFkaZLQkJJE26ZbyKodgHSdw7SKSBCiVVp8Kkcbl-K89OTvgjBVf77n_UqcK4MDjxVqxdDXwt6-oCFDhG8tg1uQOJJaY91vrBXHgW9lL1YRyOSTp3o_vvVy82iY\")
Springtime is the beginning of this season-long weed, as it thrives in full sunlight. Leggy stems grow and spread out over the lawn. It can be hard to spot, but crabgrass color is a lighter shade of green. Pre-emergent herbicide is effective on young crabgrass plants – where only two or three leaves are present. Post-emergent weed killers work if there aren’t many weeds embedded in the lawn. But large areas of aged crabgrass that have swallowed up the turf will leave dead, brown stems if you treat it. Crabgrass dies with the first hard frost; in Columbus, that is usually in late October. Reseed in early autumn and apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most persistent weeds, with their yellow petals that turn into white puffy seed balls. Broadleaf post-emergent weed killers are effective. But keep in mind the seeds are windborne, and it’s quite a chore to kill them before they germinate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VyYog62CrJoqXeotey7m0uKd4tlYKhGpAxWmPLHLVZzbmTv7ssF1GVnOq5ad3RVKv5Tf8LMXrkSkHOslZwaoC9U2z8rKClAUhih0P13j2-lTUvVyokAhQjlEcE2NjN3PFtS8wNAw\")
If left untreated, nutsedge can choke out healthy plants in its path. This weed starts out looking like grass blades — only taller and with an invasive root system. The perennial weed is resilient and comes back year after year. Post-emergent herbicides are your best bet, but their effectiveness is hit or miss.
\n\n\n\nThistle seed is a draw for songbirds in Columbus, but the spiky, prickly plants can be rough on bare feet! Weedkiller helps, but it’s better to don a pair of heavy gardening gloves and remove them by hand at the base of the plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wZmdBQ6xEUuiV_ov-CP381Icoco1bEfVlgs2bDSaBCPBWDRYcHBcJ2wNhJu-ZZJSfjKkoBGLcWmx0K-R7ieJi9xBsI2QItT_TQ6GnSt_WxrfXMw43KSoZOAAXKCdaW16xJkDgPCl\")
Yes, those bright purple blooms are pretty, but wild violets are perennial weeds with heart-shaped foliage. Autumn is the best time to treat wild violets since the post-emergent chemical absorbs into the root system before winter’s freeze.
\n\n\n\nWhether you fight the weeds yourself or hire a lawn service, establishing a diligent plan will help you keep one step, and one weed ahead of the game.
\n\n\n\nNeed more information about lawn care in Columbus and Central Ohio? Check out our Columbus, OH Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.
\n","title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.501466275659824,"src":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/107df/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/293e9/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/f2cbb/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1789c/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/a2a79/spraying.-dandilions.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/67b76/spraying.-dandilions.webp 320w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/8df11/spraying.-dandilions.webp 500w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/98a65/spraying.-dandilions.webp 800w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/1dd6e/spraying.-dandilions.webp 960w,\n/static/0e0cb31d0e9b54f6446a8dca18e7553e/7aa54/spraying.-dandilions.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Controlling the Worst Weeds in Columbus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nothing can ruin a lush, green lawn faster than invasive weeds. Identifying them makes controlling the worst weeds in Columbus a breeze."}}},{"node":{"id":"ecb92e1a-57d0-5745-a174-28d6c5b59345","slug":"best-grass-types-washington-dc","path":"/lawn-care/best-grass-types-washington-dc/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.","name":"Stuart Kushner","id":"82e51515-0cd6-5b19-a026-570eb408a24e","path":"/author/stuart-kushner/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/159400686ba92aeb1f5d3503e0246fc1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"30ecf80b-c320-5679-942e-29dcd7b95c66","name":"Washington DC","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/washington-dc/"}],"date":"April 24th, 2023","excerpt":"Living in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future. Here are the […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in the nation’s capital, you know that having a beautiful lawn isn’t a right but a choice. As such, it behooves you to get to know the candidates for your lawn turf so you can pick the grass that gives your yard the best chance at prospering long into the future.
\n\n\n\nHere are the leading candidates:
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe grass of choice for the White House, tall fescue is an excellent grass choice for your DC lawn. Its extensive root system gives it a high drought tolerance, it resists disease, it doesn’t require much water, and it can handle heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 2-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 2 inches in summer
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nature-grass-plant-field-lawn-meadow-743848-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nIf you have a shady lawn, fine fescue is a fine choice. However, it can adapt to full and partial sun conditions and is very persistent in dry conditions and somewhat poor soils.
\n\n\n\nAre you planning on having your kids and pets run wild in the yard? Pick another grass, as fine fescue doesn’t handle foot traffic well.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Most are bunching-type grasses; some have rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: At least 1.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 5.5 – 7.5
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5552536384_1bc90958b3_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ferran Pestaña / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its dark green color and fine to medium leaf blades, Kentucky bluegrass provides some of the prettiest lawns in the DC area. It grows well in both sun and shade and comes in numerous varieties.
\n\n\n\nHowever, growing such a pretty lawn requires a lot of maintenance. For example, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water, as it’ll go dormant otherwise. If you want a low-maintenance lawn, this isn’t it.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: 3-4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1.5 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA medium-textured bunching grass with deep green blades, perennial ryegrass is the most interesting grass here. Because of disease susceptibility, the University of Maryland recommends avoiding a pure perennial ryegrass lawn.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is usually used in seed mixtures because it germinates quickly, and even then, it never takes up more than 5 to 15 percent of the mixture, as it doesn’t last long due to its vulnerability to diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunching-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing Height: 1 – 2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.0 – 7.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Fine fescue is the best grass for a shady lawn, but tall fescue and perennial ryegrass tolerate moderate shade. Kentucky bluegrass needs full sun, so avoid it.
Kentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance grass, so avoid it. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass are low-maintenance grasses, making them good choices for lawns that don’t need much TLC.
Perennial ryegrass has a low drought tolerance, so it isn’t recommended for drought-heavy areas. Tall fescues, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrass have moderate to high drought tolerance, so they’ll manage just fine in such areas.
Now that you know what grasses to pick, where do you go from here?
\n\n\n\nStart by adding some native plants to your yard. They’ll help the ecosystem and look good in your yard while not needing much maintenance.
\n\n\n\nYou can eliminate doing any maintenance altogether by contacting one of Wikilawn’s lawn care pros. They’ll do the dirty work for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: APK /Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/107df/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/293e9/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/f2cbb/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1789c/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/c26c2/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/67b76/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 320w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/8df11/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 500w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/98a65/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 800w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/1dd6e/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 960w,\n/static/9ceeb5ccb1c21b4b9c31a956836c9b5b/3cc96/Dumbarton_House_-_Washington_D.C.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Types That Thrive in Washington DC | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make your lawn worthy of being in the nation’s capital with these grasses. Learn how they handle this challenging transition zone."}}},{"node":{"id":"7dfe133b-a954-5af0-93ec-a1c4f4c18bb1","slug":"best-native-plants-connecticut","path":"/lawn-care/ct/best-native-plants-connecticut/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"e5749cce-e649-530f-ab65-97c08883af12","name":"Connecticut","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ct/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 12th, 2023","excerpt":"Connecticut is a small state that has a lot to offer. It is home to beautiful fall foliage, picturesque forests, breathtaking lakes, and silvery beaches. Invite some of the Constitution State’s rich and natural history into your landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants in Connecticut. Native plants offer many […]
\n","content":"\nConnecticut is a small state that has a lot to offer. It is home to beautiful fall foliage, picturesque forests, breathtaking lakes, and silvery beaches. Invite some of the Constitution State’s rich and natural history into your landscape by filling your yard with some of the best native plants in Connecticut.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer many landscaping benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nNative plants promote a healthier Connecticut ecosystem and assist important conservation efforts. Check out these 20 native plants to help you plan your natural landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bearberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrew Curtis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBearberry, also known as kinnikinick, is a low-growing shrub that grows well in fabricated gardens, slopes, banks, sandy soils, and rocks throughout Connecticut. Trailing evergreen branches with papery red bark and shiny paddle-shaped leaves creep across exposed rocks, forming dense mats.
\n\n\n\nBearberry blooms clusters of small, bell-shaped white and pink flowers in the spring that give way to bright red berries that last into winter, attracting birds and wildlife. It is a hardy and slow-growing shrub that is salt-tolerant and has no pest or disease problems. It is beneficial to local bees and the larval host of the Hoary and Brown Elfin and Freija Fritillary butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-6
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 inches tall and 15 inches in diameter
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry or moist, acidic, sandy or rocky soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch of rainfall or water per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; tasteless; preferred by animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed is a native species of milkweed and is extremely important to healthy Connecticut landscapes and conservation efforts. It is an attractive flowering plant, a nectar source for bees and native pollinators, and a host plant for caterpillars, including Monarch, Gray Hairstreak, and Queen butterflies. There are three native species of milkweed wildflowers that grow throughout the Constitution State.
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed produces bright orange or yellow flowers from summer to fall. The attractive plant is hardy and loves full sun. It tolerates most soils but prefers sandy well-draining soil and is moderately drought-tolerant. It makes a great addition to flower beds, pollinator gardens, meadows, and cut flower arrangements.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Goldenrod-Solidago-species-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCanada goldenrod is a member of the aster family. Also known as giant goldenrod, this herbaceous perennial reaches heights up to 6 feet. Canada goldenrod has fine, leafy stems with tiny yellow flowers on arching branches. Plant specimens in meadows, prairies, pastures, garden beds, and along stream banks.
\n\n\n\nCanada goldenrod blooms in late summer through September, attracting honey bees and local pollinators. It grows well in a range of soils and does not require additional watering outside of natural rainfall. The low-maintenance aster grows throughout the state and is commonly seen growing alongside highways, rural routes, forests, and shorelines.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry or moist, caliche, sandy, sandy-loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant; only water during drought conditions when soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; contains poisonous saponins
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cardinal_flower_Lobelia_cardinalis_027.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is a showy perennial with bright red, tubular flowers that bloom from May to October. Its unique blooms have spreading lower petals with two upper petals that unite into a tube at the base atop erect stems with pointy leaves.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flowers reach heights up to 6 feet tall. The moisture-loving herbaceous plant grows along the edges of ponds and streams, tolerating occasional flooding. It makes a great addition to rain and pollinator gardens, flower beds, and along the edges of woodlands. Its blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist to wet, rich, medium loam, clay-loam, limestone, sandy, sandy-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers moist soil; water deeply twice per week during hot months
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cranberry-Viburnum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCranberry viburnum is a hardy deciduous shrub. It is flood, disease, and insect tolerant. The flowering perennial has a dense growth habit with arching branches and a round outline. It has maple-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy in the fall.
\n\n\n\nCranberry viburnum grows along slopes, rocky shores, and in shady woods. It blooms clusters of small white flowers in the spring followed by bright red edible fruits that persist through winter. The hardy shrub attracts songbirds, game birds, small mammals, and butterflies. It is the larval host of the Spring Azure butterfly. Plant this dense shrub along forest edges and in hedgerows.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist or wet, well-drained loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water 1 inch per week during dry conditions
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible though may cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-White-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nEastern white oak is deeply rooted in Connecticut tradition. It is the state tree and a popular shade tree with a long lifespan. It is a large tree, growing upwards of 100 feet or more and 60 to 80 feet wide. These trees have rounded, widespread crowns, scaly gray-brown bark, and gray-red twigs.
\n\n\n\nEastern white oaks produce recognizable lobed leaves that turn burgundy in the fall. The grand deciduous tree is one of the most important oak species, and its wood is used to make furniture, flooring, and other items like wine and whiskey barrels. Its fall acorn fruits attract birds, small mammals, and deer. Plant this shade tree in large back or front yards with ample space. Just be sure to note the deciduous tree drops its leaves in late fall.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100+ feet tall and 60-80 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry or moist, deep, acidic, well-drained, loam, sand, sand-loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Do not require watering outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Little](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Montrealais / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem is an ornamental bunchgrass. It forms dense mounds of fine-textured, blue-green foliage. The grass turns shades of vibrant mahogany with cottony white seed tufts in the fall. Little bluestem is important to Connecticut’s ecosystem, attracting native songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nThe ornamental grass is the larval host of many butterflies and moths, including the Ottoe, Indian, Crossline, Dixie, and Dusted Skippers and the Cobweb butterfly. Little bluestem adapts to a range of soil types so long as the space is dry and well-drained. Plant the attractive grass in mass plantings for a great fall visual, along the edges of woodlands, on slopes, or in large flower beds. Little bluestem reseeds itself, making it ill-suited for confined spaces.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 18-24 inches tall and 12 inches in diameter, can reach up to 5 feet tall a
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry, well-drained, sand, sand-loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, clay, or limestone soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; only water during drought conditions when soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-75.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMarsh marigold is an herbaceous succulent with thick, heart-shaped leaves and branching stems. Bright yellow, five-petaled flowers bloom in showy clusters in the spring. Marsh marigold is a mounding perennial plant, reaching up to 2 feet tall.
\n\n\n\nThe deciduous succulent’s blooms closely resemble buttercups, attracting birds and local bees. It is a low-maintenance plant that loves moist soils, woodlands, marshes, and stream edges. Grow marsh marigolds in a moist shady spot as part of natural landscapes, mass planting, or specimen plantings.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous sometimes evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to wet, muddy, rich soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Prefers moist soil; water deeply twice per week during hot months
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; raw leaves contain protoanemonin and are poisonous to humans and animals, including livestock
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Mountain-Laurel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMountain-laurel is an evergreen, multi-trunked shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It is Connecticut’s state flower and typically ranges between 10 to 15 feet tall with dense, glossy, dark green leaves. Fragrant lavender or pink flowers, reminiscent of the smell of grape Kool-Aid, bloom in drooping clusters from February to April, followed by semi-woody pods full of red poisonous seeds.
\n\n\n\nThe ornamental shrub is slow-growing, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant. Mountain-laurel thrives in rocky soils and responds well to pruning. Plant this showy evergreen as part of an animal-free landscape and pollinator garden to attract butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Drought-tolerant; adaptable; dry or moist, well-drained, rock, sand, sand-loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; all parts are poisonous to humans and animals; potentially fatal
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Narrow-Leaf-Mountain-Mint.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNarrow-leaf mountain mint is a compact member of the mint family. Its aromatic and narrow leaves form clumps up to 4r feet tall in rich soil conditions. Clusters of white and lavender flowers bloom in the summer through September, attracting butterflies and honey bees.
\n\n\n\nNarrow-leaf mountain mint attracts deer, small mammals, game birds, and songbirds. It makes a great addition to naturalized landscapes, low-maintenance flower beds, and rain gardens, though it spreads rapidly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; dry to moist, acidic soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; responds best to drip irrigation
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible; leaves can be made into tea or rubbed onto skin as a natural mosquito repellent
\n\n\n\n![\"Light](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNew England asters are vibrant perennial flowers with showy blooms and a persistent, sometimes aggressive growth habit. The herbaceous flowers produce large purplish-pink blooms with slender petals around a bright yellow center. It has leafy branches that reach up to 6 feet tall and bright green, hairy leaves.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is commonly found in rocky soils, stream banks, moist wooded areas, and mesic prairies. It prefers partial shade, is an important Connecticut pollinator, and is the larval host for the Pearl Crescent butterfly. Plant New England asters in large garden beds, rocky areas, or naturalized landscapes where they have room to spread and enjoy their blooms from August to November or until frost.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefer moist soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once or twice weekly in place of regular rainfall to ensure evenly moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pearly-Everlasting.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Franco Folini / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPearly everlasting is another member of the aster family with smaller blooms. It is an erect, herbaceous perennial with soft, cottony stems and a bushy appearance. Pearly everlasting has narrow, grayish-green leaves. The unique flowering plant produces clusters of small pearl-white flowers from June to October.
\n\n\n\nPearly everlasting is an attractive pollinator and the food source and larval host plant for Painted Lady butterflies. It grows best in full sun and dry, rocky soils. It is often found in open woods, dry prairies, and along Connecticut roadsides. Plant pearly everlasting in large garden beds, open rocky areas, and naturalized landscapes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sand or gravel soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; does not require water outside of natural rainfall; water a maximum of twice per month in the summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Chokeberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0v
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is a multi-trunked shrub and member of the rose family providing four-season interest for Nutmeggers. White, five-petaled flowers bloom in the spring, giving way to glossy dark green leaves all summer. The leaves turn rich shades of orange and red in the fall and bright red, pear-shaped berries bloom until January.
\n\n\n\nPlant red chokeberry as part of your natural landscape to form a close-knit colony. These multi-seasonal shrubs make great border plants. They prefer full sun and adapt to a range of soil types.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefer full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist to dry, rich soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; edible
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRedosier dogwood is a spreading shrub with a loose growth habit and attractive red twigs. It reaches heights up to 12 feet tall, blooming clusters of white flowers that give way to umbrella-shaped white berries from May through October. Redosier dogwood keeps its leaves through fall, which turn shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy.
\n\n\n\nThe attractive shrub provides many ecological benefits to Connecticut’s landscapes. Preferring partial sun, redosier dogwood makes a great addition to wet areas, river banks, lake and pond shores, and wooded or open landscapes. It is the larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly and attracts waterfowl, marshbirds, shorebirds, and large and small mammals such as deer and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-7
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 12 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial Shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HorsePunchKid / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp azalea, also known as clammy azalea, is an important coastal Connecticut pollinator. Originating near wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the state, this loose-growing deciduous shrub blooms fragrant white to light pink flowers. Its vibrant spring blooms attract pollinating insects, while the dried stalks provide shelter for songbirds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSwamp azaleas prefer dappled shade and thrive in the well-drained, rich, moisture-retaining soils found throughout the state. Plant these beautiful blooms as part of mass plantings, woodland gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator gardens. Swamp azalea is one of two native azalea species.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 5 feet tall; can reach up to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Wet, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous if consumed in large quantities
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is another important pollinator plant for coastal and wetland Connecticut. Like butterfly weed, it is an herbaceous perennial producing vibrant blooms from June through October. The showy plant blooms small pinkish-purple flowers in tight clusters atop long, branching stems with narrow leaves.
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed has an erect growth habit. It is flood-tolerant and loves moist soils. Like all milkweeds, it is an important host plant and food source for the Monarch and Queen butterflies. Sew this plant from seed in moist landscapes, low areas prone to flooding, moist flower beds, or on the banks of a pond where it will thrive in the muddy clay soil.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-6
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to wet, rich, muddy, acidic, clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Flood-tolerant; prefers moist soil; does not require water outside of natural rainfall except in the fall or during extreme dry periods
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sweet-Pepperbush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Under the same moon… / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Sweet pepperbush, also known as summersweet, is an attractive landscape shrub producing visual interest no matter the season. The deciduous perennial produces shiny green leaves in the spring, spiky pink or white flowers in the summer, yellow leaves in the fall, and delicate seed capsules that attract birds and small mammals in the winter.
\n\n\n\nSweet pepperbush grows statewide. It has an open growth pattern and soft texture. The fragrant shrub prefers partial shade and makes a great addition to pollinator gardens, natural landscapes, and mixed borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image-98.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTrumpet honeysuckle, or coral honeysuckle, is a twining evergreen clumping vine found climbing the woodlands, forest borders, and roadway banks of Connecticut. It blooms from spring through summer. You can find it crawling trellises, walls, and fences, reaching heights up to 18 feet.
\n\n\n\nTrumpet-shaped red-orange flower clusters grow among dark, shiny leaves, giving way to bright red berries from September to October. Trumpet honeysuckle attracts hummingbirds, songbirds, and other pollinators with its vibrant flowers and fruit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-18 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to humans and animals if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWild red columbine is a perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. This Connecticut native grows up to 3 feet tall with showy, tuberous red and yellow blooms that droop, exposing bright yellow stamens. Find this herbaceous flower growing in rich forests and woodlands and along cliffs, river shores, and rocky banks.
\n\n\n\nWild columbine has an erect growth pattern and bright green leaves. Its flowering tubes attract hummingbirds and butterflies and rabbits love to munch on its foliage. This perennial prefers partial shade. Wild red columbine struggles when other plants compete with its root systems and prefer to grow alone as a groundcover in flower beds, at the edges of gardens, or in containers.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers neutral, sandy, well-drained sand, medium loam, sandy loam, or limestone-based soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; does not require additional water outside of nature rainfall unless dry weather persists for a week or more
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Winterberry-Ilex-verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is a deciduous tree in the holly family. This low-maintenance accent plant is often found near stream banks, ponds, and forest wetlands in the Nutmeg State. It grows well in mass plantings, shrub borders, wet soils, and near water.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry is the hardiest of all native hollies. Green and white-hued flowers bloom in June while some plants produce bright red berries in late summer that last through winter, attracting birds and wildlife. Winterberry is resistant to both pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Small tree or large shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to full shade; prefers partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist, acidic, sand, loam, medium-loam, clay-loam, or clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High; ensure the soil is moist; water once per day during dry periods in spring and summer
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; fruits and foliage poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\nNative plants have specific needs depending on the type and species you select. Your yard has its own unique microclimate, and not all native plants will grow well in your landscape. Select plants suitable for the sun exposure, soil, and water capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nConnecticut sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6b, indicating the coldest annual temperature is -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the northernmost portion of the state. The majority of the Nutmeg State falls within zone 6a, with coastal areas falling into zone 6b. Connecticut native plants are cold-hardy to the minimum temperature in the hardiness zones. Keep your zone in mind when selecting non-native plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant deciduous plants and broadleaf evergreens in early spring after the last frost and conifers in early fall. Plant anytime during the frost-free Connecticut growing season from early May to mid-October.
Connecticut’s diverse landscape is home to many soil types including loose stones and gravel, rich saturated soils, alluvial sediments, disturbed loams, gravelly sand, and more. There are even areas of the state where solid bedrock lies just 2 to 3 feet below the surface.
The best way to identify your landscape’s soil type is to send a soil sample in for testing to your local testing laboratory.
Early morning is the best time to water your native plants. Winds are calmer and temperatures are lower, so there is less risk of water loss from evaporation or scorching from the sun. Additionally, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall. Wet foliage can lead to disease and rot.
Chances are good you already have native plants in your yard or around your neighborhood. If you want to introduce more plants into your Connecticut landscape, be sure to source your plants ethically and never transplant them from the wild.
\n\n\n\nFilling your yard with native plants is only one step in your landscaping design project. Be sure to maintain your new landscape by understanding your yard’s grass type.
\n\n\n\nNo matter where you are in the Nutmeg State, you can turn over your lawn upkeep to a professional. Let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area so you can spend more time soaking up your state’s rich history.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxfuel
\n","title":"20 Best Native Plants for Connecticut","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/1789c/new-england-aster-2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/107df/new-england-aster-2.jpg 320w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/293e9/new-england-aster-2.jpg 500w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/f2cbb/new-england-aster-2.jpg 800w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/1789c/new-england-aster-2.jpg 960w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/c26c2/new-england-aster-2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/1dd6e/new-england-aster-2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/67b76/new-england-aster-2.webp 320w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/8df11/new-england-aster-2.webp 500w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/98a65/new-england-aster-2.webp 800w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/1dd6e/new-england-aster-2.webp 960w,\n/static/cd613869cb3325f13c7a0bd0ae49dfef/3cc96/new-england-aster-2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"20 Best Native Plants for Connecticut | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out these Connecticut native plants and find 20 species that thrive in the humid continental climate and support the ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"b597dfca-8184-5210-a8e6-a966639e1a48","slug":"lawn-chemicals-danger-pets","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-chemicals-danger-pets/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 24th, 2019","excerpt":"A fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs […]
\n","content":"\nA fenced-in backyard brings a lot of freedom to pet owners. Just open the door and let them out or install a small pet-door so they can come and go as they please. But with that freedom comes a dilemma. The pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that provide you with a green lawn can make dogs and cats sick, cause bladder cancer, or even kill them. So how do you keep your dog safe and maintain your lawn care?
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DMbAzeVjYSWRwsU6-8muZ9Akrs65C9QhhxuaKMcN6k4Vj0Kb4QadsdTaDWVnis4wJ09VuuL_Svu63hPLX7aLCROhoDn2lZno1PpZygGKJVO-6SmmEeiIIcwhgpkkgo2CL7k5sJ4B\")
Your yard is the first thing people see when they come to your home. An emerald-green, thick lawn makes your property stand out and — admit it — makes you proud. When your grass gets sick, you treat it. Sometimes with chemicals. If you have pets, those chemicals can be dangerous. Dogs don’t just walk in your lawn. They roll in it, eat plants and blades of grass, and put their muzzles in it, sniffing around. When they lick themselves, chemicals on the lawn go straight into their system. So anything that’s on your grass gets on, and in, your dog (cats, too). Some of the most common lawn treatments are some of the most dangerous for pets.
\n\n\n\nSome of these chemicals lawn care companies use are mixed with bone meal and blood, so dogs and cats love the taste. Metaldehyde comes in pellet form and looks like dog food. It’s also flavored with molasses to attract snails. Unfortunately, it also attracts your dog.
\n\n\n\nOrganophosphates are organic compounds found in insecticides. They can harm an animal’s brain and nervous system, and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Dogs are exposed when they eat a plant that’s been treated or inhale the chemicals. Warning signs include paralysis, weakness, trouble breathing, and excessive salivation.
\n\n\n\nAvoiding these items is best, but that’s not always possible. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center says if you must use them, there are steps you can take to keep your pets safe.
\n\n\n\nWhen it’s time to clean up, go to a designated area so excess pesticide and wash water don’t contaminate an animal’s drinking water. Pesticide education specialist Cecil Tharp of Montana State University Extention says, “Keep drainage from cleaning sprayers out of water supplies and streams and do not let animals into areas where sprayers are cleaned.” If a dog drinks from a contaminated puddle, it will get sick.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/960px-Armed_Forces_Veterinary_Carries_out_Dental_Work_on_a_Military_Working_Dog_MOD_45158956.jpg\")
If your pet is showing signs of poisoning, like vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, excessive salvation, trouble walking, or trouble breathing, get them to the veterinarian ASAP! You can also call the ASPCA’s Animal Control Center. Don’t induce vomiting unless you have explicitly been told to do so. Some toxins can cause even more damage if the pet throws it up. And never give a home remedy without first speaking to the vet.
\n\n\n\nIf you know what toxin your pet was exposed to or you have a sample, take it with you to the vet. This will help the doctor better treat the animal.
\n","title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/107df/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/293e9/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/f2cbb/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1789c/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/356ef/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/67b76/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/8df11/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/98a65/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/1dd6e/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/c7d20ad164966dbf96c63a0f11594a10/93f70/sad-dog-in-grass-needpix-2723108_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Chemicals That Pose Dangers for Pets | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ca2424be-8eb7-5a17-a3b6-846bbe21d7e3","slug":"when-is-best-time-to-water-lawn-florida","path":"/lawn-care/fl/when-is-best-time-to-water-lawn-florida/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"You may have read somewhere that it’s not advisable to water your lawn every day or that you should only water it once a week. But does this apply to your lawn as well? Remember that your location plays a big part in determining the best time to water your lawn, and Florida has its […]
\n","content":"\nYou may have read somewhere that it’s not advisable to water your lawn every day or that you should only water it once a week. But does this apply to your lawn as well? Remember that your location plays a big part in determining the best time to water your lawn, and Florida has its own environmental conditions to consider.
\n\n\n\nSo instead of following general rules in taking care of your yard, it’s more logical to follow watering guidelines specifically geared to your own locale. Doing so will not only help you prevent molds and patching, but also can save you from having to deal with excessive water bills.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nCreating a beautiful lawn is not a set-and-forget kind of thing. Even if you have native plants, that doesn’t mean they can thrive on their own. The ecosystem in your yard might be teeming with life, but it can either flourish or wither, depending on your lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nSome of the direct benefits your turfgrass gets with proper watering include:
\n\n\n\nOf course, we can’t leave out the fact that well-watered grass shows a more beautiful light green color compared to dry ones, which are usually grayish blue.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_33362501875_0d0e78d669_o.jpg\")
Photo Credit: UBC Micrometeorology / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTiming is a very important factor to consider when watering your lawn. Regardless of your lawn size or the type of grass you have, you need to do this at the right time so as not to waste water and bring harm to your grass.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to water your lawn in Florida is during the early morning hours, preferably at dawn or around 5 a.m. – especially during summer. During this time, the temperature is cooler, which minimizes water loss. If you find it too early, you can adjust the watering a little later but not past 9 a.m.
\n\n\n\nSince the sun hasn’t been out for long, the water will not evaporate quickly, which gives the ground some time to absorb the water.
\n\n\n\nAfternoons are when the air temperature is at its hottest. Most people mistakenly think this is the best time to water because they usually relate the condition to themselves. Who wouldn’t want to refresh themselves with a cool drink in the afternoon or take a plunge in the pool when it’s hot? But the thing is, it’s not the same for plants.
\n\n\n\nEvaporation is at its peak during this time, which means the water gets burnt off fast, and the root zone will only get minimal water. Also, you’ll end up paying more for your water bills – including the water that has been wasted.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s certain that evaporation is almost nil when the sun is not out in the sky, watering your lawn at night creates even greater drawbacks for your plants, depending on the weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nCooler temperatures mean the water will remain on the grass blades the entire night, encouraging the growth and proliferation of fungi. Diseases like leaf spots can easily infect your lawn, making it unattractive. Even during warm and dry seasons, where Florida nights are hot and humid, diseases can still spread on your lawn if you let water sit on the grass overnight.
\n\n\n\nThe next important factor to consider in taking care of your lawn is the amount of water your lawn needs, and this will largely depend on the time of year.
\n\n\n\nIn Florida, the climate is dry most of the time except for summer – when it’s quite hot and humid. June to October is usually the rainy season, and nature is a big help in keeping your lawn from drying up during this time.
\n\n\n\nThis wet season is just part of the state’s warm weather period, which actually runs between April to October. During this time, you should water your lawn every two days or two to three times per week.
\n\n\n\nFlorida’s cooler months, which fall between November to April, require that the lawn be watered only once a week. Doing so will not only help control the growth of fungus and weeds but also prepare your lawn for summertime. Instead of having a shallow root system, your grass will naturally develop deeper roots, which can help with its nourishment in summer.
\n\n\n\nNot all grasses have the same watering requirements, as some are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering, while others need more water, especially during dry spells. Here’s a table that shows how much water is needed for each specific grass type during each season in Florida (in inches per week):
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
| Bahiagrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | dormant |
| Carpetgrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Centipedegrass | 0.5 – 1 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 | 0.5 – 1 |
| Seashore paspalum | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 1 – 1.5 | 1.5 – 2 | 1 – 1.5 | dormant |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1 | 1 – 1.5 | 0.5 – 1 | 0.5 – 1 |
Note: These are just general guidelines, and the actual water needs of your lawn may vary based on factors such as soil type, amount of sun exposure, and local weather conditions.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHere are some watering tips to help you keep your Florida lawn beautiful and to ensure you’re putting your water to good use.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can always use your trusty garden hose for this task, it’s better to use a lawn sprinkler or have a lawn care professional install an irrigation system for your yard. Not only will it be more convenient for you, but it also could allow the sprinkler to automatically turn on in the wee hours of the morning.
\n\n\n\nA properly installed system could disperse enough water evenly so that you wouldn’t have to worry about puddles. If your county has licensed irrigation system installers, it’s always best to have them do the installation.
\n\n\n\nKnowing how long you should be watering your lawn is also crucial, as it will help ensure there’s enough moisture reserved in the soil before the next watering schedule.
\n\n\n\nIn general, you should set your sprinkler to water the area between 45 to 60 minutes so that the water is delivered deeply and evenly into the soil, which in turn helps encourage the development of a healthy root system. The goal is to deliver an inch of water which can be easily determined by using the tuna can test.
\n\n\n\nThe tuna can test is a simple way to determine how much water your lawn is receiving from your sprinkler system. To perform this test:
\n\n\n\nSo, if the average depth of water in the tuna cans is 1/4 inch after 20 minutes of watering, you’ll know that your sprinkler system is delivering 1/4 inch of water per 20 minutes.
\n\n\n\nOnce you know how much water your sprinkler system is delivering, you can adjust the watering time and frequency to ensure that your lawn is getting the right amount of water.
\n\n\n\nIt’s still important to visually inspect your landscape frequently to help you identify problem areas. If you notice a bluish-gray discoloration or footprints on a specific area of your lawn, you need to adjust your sprinkler setup as this area is in need of watering.
\n\n\n\nWater conservation is a critical matter in Florida, which is why the state has implemented watering restrictions to help conserve water resources. Here are the specific regulations by region:
\n\n\n\nIn North Florida, which includes cities such as Jacksonville and St. Augustine, you’ll need to follow water restrictions throughout the year.
\n\n\n\nIf your home address ends in an odd number, you can water your lawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays. But if your address ends in an even number, your watering days are Thursdays and Sundays. Just don’t water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re living in Central Florida, which includes Orlando and Tampa, you should be aware of these watering restrictions enforced year-round.
\n\n\n\nHomes with odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while homes with even-numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays. Similar to North Florida, you shouldn’t water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nDuring daylight saving time (the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November), you can water your lawn only once per week.
\n\n\n\nCompared to other regions, South Florida has the strictest restriction due to water scarcity.
\n\n\n\nAll homes, regardless of house number, can only water once per week on a designated day determined by the local water utility.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that these designated days may vary depending on your area, so it’s a good idea to check with your utility company to determine the specific day for your location. You also shouldn’t water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day.
\n\n\n\nDIY or hand watering typically uses less water than sprinklers because it allows you to target specific areas and avoid overwatering. However, it can be more time-consuming and physically demanding compared to using a sprinkler system. The efficiency of hand watering also depends on the individual doing the watering and their watering techniques.
The better option would be to install sprinklers with a timer. You can set it to deliver a consistent amount of water for a specific duration, reducing water waste and promoting better soil absorption. Additionally, many modern sprinkler systems have features like rain sensors and smart controllers – allowing you to adjust the sprinkler’s watering schedule depending on the current weather condition, further reducing water usage.
Overall, a sprinkler system is a better option for watering your lawn compared to using a hose, as it offers the following benefits:
• Complies with regulations
• Helps you save time and effort
• You can program it to water at specific times and durations
• It can be equipped with moisture sensors to adjust the application and disperse enough water
However, using a hose can be a good option for small lawns or specific areas as long as you avoid overwatering or watering during the hottest times of the day.
To avoid wasting water (and even save water) when using a sprinkler to water your lawn, you can:
1. Water in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to help reduce water loss due to evaporation and give your grass enough time to dry before nightfall, which can reduce the risk of fungus and disease.
2. Adjust your sprinkler heads to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk, driveway, street, or other non-vegetated areas.
3. Use a timer so your sprinkler system will run for a shorter duration but more frequently. This way, the water has time to soak into the soil before running off.
4. Install a rain sensor, which can automatically turn off your sprinkler system when it’s raining or when the soil is already moist.
5. Check your sprinkler system for leaks, broken heads, or other issues that can waste water. Replace any damaged parts and adjust the settings if necessary.
Maintaining a healthy lawn in Florida can be a challenge for homeowners, especially during the hot and dry season. Apart from proper fertilization and mowing, watering during the best time of day, using the optimal amount of water, and following these lawn watering tips can help keep your lawn looking green and lush all year.
Avoid wasting water but don’t let the Florida heat turn your lawn into a brown, lifeless eyesore. Whether you’re living in St. Augustine, Pensacola, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, remember that taking the time to learn about your area’s specific guidelines can pay off in the long run.
So, what are you waiting for? Hire a lawn care pro today, and start giving your lawn the TLC it deserves.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Lawn Sprinkler Irrigation / Pixabay
\n","title":"When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Florida?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1789c/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/107df/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/293e9/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/f2cbb/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1789c/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/c26c2/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1dd6e/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/67b76/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/8df11/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/98a65/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/1dd6e/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ba733c72025721846fae1189059193c/3cc96/heatwave-gb5348e647_1280-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Florida? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn the best time to water your lawn in Florida to avoid common problems and keep your yard green and healthy year-round."}}},{"node":{"id":"c63e4258-864d-5f5c-be02-1229ce17d1d0","slug":"best-grass-types-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/best-grass-types-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"April 28th, 2020","excerpt":"Tampa offers beachside views and aquatic wildlife for locals and tourists to enjoy. You can enjoy a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard, the United States’ longest continuous sidewalk, before enjoying Tampa’s unique cuisine. With all the bounteous emerald greenery of Tampa’s tropical vegetation, you want a lawn that is just as lush and green. Warm-season grasses […]
\n","content":"\nTampa offers beachside views and aquatic wildlife for locals and tourists to enjoy. You can enjoy a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard, the United States’ longest continuous sidewalk, before enjoying Tampa’s unique cuisine. With all the bounteous emerald greenery of Tampa’s tropical vegetation, you want a lawn that is just as lush and green.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are the best types of grass in Florida since they are able to withstand hot, muggy days and high humidity. Several types of grasses thrive in Tampa’s hot summers and mild winters.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are the best kinds of grasses for the Sunshine State. They originate from tropical regions, making them perfect for a subtropical climate like Tampa.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes warm-season grasses a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay area, since the climate is hot and humid year-round.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass boasts a pleasing dark green hue and an extensive root system that helps it survive drought. Bahiagrass flourishes in full sun, though it isn’t so hardy when faced up against a lot of foot traffic or cold weather. Luckily, Florida’s mild winters make it a great fit for Tampa lawns.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is adaptable with nearly any type of soil. However, the drought-tolerant grass does not thrive in areas with salt or saltwater spray, so it’s best for more inland Tampa properties. If your yard is patchy because you have poor soil that is sandy or acidic, you might want to try switching to bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low – needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low; mow 1-2 times a week and fertilize during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Resistant to diseases and insects, although dollar spot is common, and bahiagrass may attract bahiagrass billbugs, fall armyworms, or mole crickets.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Poor, sandy, or acidic
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass needs fertilization during the peak growing season. Luckily thatch isn’t a concern with bahiagrass, so you don’t need to dethatch or aerate your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a classy choice for golf courses and commercial properties. Foot traffic doesn’t faze it, as this hardy grass type is built to withstand wear and tear. What does hurt bermudagrass is a lot of shade and cold winter temperatures.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass grows to be a vivid light green color. Hybrid bermudagrass has a fine texture, while the texture of common bermudagrass is usually coarser.
\n\n\n\nA sun-loving grass, bermudagrass is a deep-rooted grass that grows densely quickly. The thickness of the grass acts as a defense against weeds, forming a barrier that chokes them out. Bermudagrass is a high maintenance turf, but it’s durable and able to withstand rough weather conditions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Below-ground rhizomes and above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor – needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: High. Bermudagrass is a fast-growing and invasive grass. It needs to be mowed weekly to keep it from growing in garden beds and fertilized regularly.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance against diseases, although it commonly suffers from diseases such as dollar spot, leaf spot, spring dead spot, and root decline. Bermudagrass has low resistance to insects and may be invaded by pests such as white grubs, armyworms, and webworms.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermudagrass only needs reseeded once a year. It requires regular mowing during the growing season to keep it at its ideal height.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalograss.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nIf you dream of an evergreen lawn that even persists through the chilly winter months, then buffalograss is the grass for you. Buffalograss is a low-maintenance lawn that keeps its blue-green hue year-round.
\n\n\n\nNative buffalograss thrives in the western and central regions of the Great Plains, but there are new turf-type cultivars that are well adapted for home lawns. Despite being named for the bison that populates North America, buffalograss doesn’t like stampeding herds of visitors, making it bad for heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nIt can tolerate Tampa’s extreme heat and bouts with drought. Avoid planting buffalograss if you have a yard shaded by big big trees. Buffalograss doesn’t require much water, so homeowners have to be careful to avoid overwatering this type of grass. Since it has a more open growth pattern, weeds are always a problem..
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-4 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good tolerance against diseases. Although buffalograss has a good tolerance against bugs, it tends to attract chinch bugs, white grubs, webworms, and mealyworms.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: Between 6.5-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Native soils, not sandy soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Like with most grasses, it takes effort to get buffalograss established in your yard, but once they are established, they should be low maintenance. They don’t typically need dethatching or aeration, and they don’t require much fertilizing.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for a low-maintenance grass, centipedegrass is a good choice. Centipedegrass is durable and versatile, as it thrives in acidic and infertile soils with a low pH. It is a slow-growing grass, which means it doesn’t need to be mowed as often as other warm-season grasses. Centipedegrass is not a good grass if you have pets and kids because it doesn’t stand up to foot traffic. But it does hold up well during droughts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is an attractive grass, you won’t be the only one who finds centipedegrass appealing. Pests such as nematodes love centipedegrass. It’s also susceptible to fungal diseases and other pesky bugs.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects; may suffer from iron chlorosis or centipedegrass decline. Nematodes and ground pearl insects are a common insect problem for centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Sandy and infertile soils, silt, loam
\n\n\n\nOther notes: When it is first installed in your yard, centipedegrass will be high-maintenance until it is established in the yard, then it will be low maintenance and not require much care. Centipedegrass can be sensitive to over-fertilizing.
\n\n\n\n![\"bubble](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/saint-augustine-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Morgan / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is the most popular grass found in Florida lawns. Tolerant of heat and shade, St. Augustinegrass is a great fit for any Tampa yard shaded by trees.
\n\n\n\nA native to coastal areas, St. Augustinegrass performs best where there’s salty sea air and high moisture and humidity. Its thick, dark green blades go dormant in the winter and turn brown before returning to their vibrant color in the spring. There are several types of St. Augustinegrass, but there are two primary types: standard and dwarf cultivars.
\n\n\n\nSt. Augustinegrass is used to getting a lot of water, so it will have to be watered often to keep it healthy and happy. But don’t give it too much water or fertilizer because it is susceptible to thatch. St. Augustinegrass grows in dense patches that makes it weed-resistant. And it’s not the best for families with pets or kids, since it doesn’t do well with heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Above-ground stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate shade tolerance, among the highest of any warm-season grass; some cultivars more shade tolerant than others
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate; St. Augustinegrass grows quickly, so it will need frequent mowings
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2.5-4 inches (mow dwarf varieties from 2.5-3 inches; standard cultivars from 3-4 inches; mow tall in shade)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high; chinch bugs can be a problem with St. Augustinegrass. Nematodes, grubs, and webworms might also plague St. Augustinegrass, and it can suffer from diseases like large patch and gray leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; not a highly drought-tolerant grass; doesn’t tolerate soil compaction
\n\n\n\nOther notes: St. Augustinegrass can be planted any time of year in Tampa. Prefers moist soils and mild winters; will thrive in more inland areas provided growing conditions are met; good salt tolerance
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhat makes Zoysiagrass so great for Tampa yards is its high salt tolerance. Zoysiagrass can endure some shade, but it thrives if it receives six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a great barefoot grass because it’s so soft to walk on. It’s the perfect grass for your family and pets because it accommodates a lot of rowdy play and outdoor activities while also being soft and comfortable to walk on.
\n\n\n\nIts growth pattern makes it difficult for weeds to take root among the dense, dark green grass blades. However, the dense growth requires weekly mowing during the growing season.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes and stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low; good disease and insect tolerance overall. Might encounter problems with diseases such as brown patch, gray leaf spot, or take-all root rot. Insects like white grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms, or mole crickets might pose a threat to zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-drained soils. Adaptable to almost any kind of soil, from clay to sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Although Zoysia is usually low maintenance, it does produce thatch, which requires aeration and dethatching. Zoysiagrass is also a slow starter; new grass takes one to three months before it grows.
\n\n\n\nSeveral types of sun-loving grasses thrive in Tampa, but the best types of grasses for lawns that receive a lot of direct sunlight include St. Augustine, Celebration bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Several types of sun-loving grasses thrive in Tampa, but the best types of grasses for lawns that receive a lot of direct sunlight include St. Augustine, Celebration bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Bermudagrass consumes the least amount of water, which means it doesn’t have to be watered as frequently and it is very drought-resistant. Other types of grass that are drought tolerant and can do well with little water include bahiagrass, centipedegrass, and buffalograss.
Tampa lawns need to withstand hot, humid temperatures and thrive in coastal climates. These varieties thrive in the Tampa Bay area, so you’ll want to consider what type of grass is the right fit for your yard.
\n\n\n\nCreating your perfect yard isn’t just finding the right type of grass for your lawn. There are other ways you can enhance your Tampa yard. Check out our list of low-maintenance landscaping ideas or our list on hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas designed to help your landscaping withstand harsh hurricane weather.
\n\n\n\nDon’t wait to install new sod. Contact a Tampa lawn care pro today so that you can have the lawn of your dreams.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Free Nature Stock / Canva / License
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1789c/Lawn-Grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/107df/Lawn-Grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/293e9/Lawn-Grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/f2cbb/Lawn-Grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1789c/Lawn-Grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/c26c2/Lawn-Grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1dd6e/Lawn-Grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/67b76/Lawn-Grass.webp 320w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/8df11/Lawn-Grass.webp 500w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/98a65/Lawn-Grass.webp 800w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/1dd6e/Lawn-Grass.webp 960w,\n/static/e0fc68b5973cfd4b2aa279303bd46e64/3cc96/Lawn-Grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Are you looking to get a new lawn? There are several types of warm-season grasses that are perfect for Tampa’s humid climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"f6b8f9c4-eb28-52c6-b216-03bf7dabc6df","slug":"native-plants-fort-worth","path":"/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/native-plants-fort-worth/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"9ccd5174-167e-5379-890b-68ac830ec905","name":"Forth Worth","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/fort-worth/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"0f9826dc-fc31-550e-9967-1b3bf51f2bdb","name":"Texas","count":72,"path":"/category/lawn-care/tx/"}],"date":"July 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Choosing these native plants for a Fort Worth garden is a way to support the environment while saving yourself work.
\n","content":"\nCreating a landscape that’s both easy to care for as well as beautiful is easy in North Texas. Plenty of plants call the Fort Worth area home, and you’ll find them in both natural areas as well as cultivated gardens. Choosing native plants for Fort Worth garden is a way to support the environment while saving yourself work. Check out these native plants for Fort Worth that will flourish in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nAny way you pronounce it (and Texans pronounce it with a soft “ahn” at the end), the pecan tree is the state tree of Texas. This native tree features beautiful green foliage and plenty of those delicious nuts. Pecan trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, and live to be quite old. This member of the hickory family is a staple in the area and would make a great addition to any North Texas home. It can spread wider than other native trees, so make sure that you have enough room to house this beauty for years to come.
\n\n\n\n![\"Hummingbird](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hummingbird-bush-1024x713.jpeg\")
Also known as the Mexican flame, the hummingbird bush is a Texas native and a magnet for pollinators. This bush features bright red blooms that accentuate any Fort Worth garden. The long tubular flower allows hummingbirds to reach the nectar. Plant the hummingbird bush in drier parts of the garden or along rocky slopes. Placing this beautiful bush near a window or outdoor living space will create up close and personal viewings of the many hummingbirds that will flock to this plant.
\n\n\n\nThere are many different kinds of coneflowers, or echinacea, available in local garden centers all around the Fort Worth area. You’ll find different leaf structures, but all include a beautiful seed head that points towards the sky. Coneflowers are quite popular, for their robust stance against heat and drought. These lovely blooms will continue on for months and attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Plant coneflowers along a walkway or in a cluster to add both color and vibrancy to the yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vrIgK5EFEKyKcFZdbxDFjSTwoAoMmf76p0dPAK_O7x6AeDydSobidtNx6JkZ91vfAld3I1j7WRSX6ZML-8J7IUNMAAV9bTxAHY5sibhgzTDH35XuhIn18LN1Pzgq7gyH-cG_nVn7\")
There is nothing quite like the stunning color of the purple berries that form on the American beautyberry bush. This native plant will grow to around 5 feet tall in favorable soil conditions. The striking clusters of bright purple berries form along the branches of the plant. The berries attract a wide variety of birds. Unfortunately, deer like to eat its large oval-shaped leaves. We recommend planting this native in a spot where you can enjoy the beautiful colors as well as the birds that will flock to it.
\n\n\n\nMany different species of yucca are native to the Fort Worth area. You’ll find Yucca plants all over in various shades and styles. This hardy plant loves hot Texas weather and is extremely drought tolerant. It can grow in a variety of soil conditions and requires little to no maintenance once established. Mix yucca in with other native plants in your landscape or in a xeriscaped area that features drought-resistant plants.
\n\n\n\nUsing native plants in your landscape will add natural beauty and keep you from having to sweat it out in the yard maintaining the garden. Consider adding any or all of these native plants to your Fort Worth garden this year.
Have more questions about lawn mowing and maintenance in Fort Worth? We got you covered! Go to our Fort Worth, TX lawn care page.
\n","title":"Native Plants for Fort Worth","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/1789c/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/107df/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.jpg 320w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/293e9/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.jpg 500w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/f2cbb/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.jpg 800w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/1789c/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.jpg 960w","srcWebp":"/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/1dd6e/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/67b76/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.webp 320w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/8df11/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.webp 500w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/98a65/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.webp 800w,\n/static/0df228058728749ffc726122b5386b4a/1dd6e/Ft-Worth-coneflower-3521669_960_720.webp 960w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Native Plants for Fort Worth | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"How does your garden grow? If you've planted native plants, it flourishes without much work or water. Check out our list of native plants for Fort Worth."}}}],"postCity":{}}}}![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jSSUSRhOs618qD0ONbRuO8NXRC3Uh-uDyv57MognLQMo8gNg1IHN19JavEqvASIUHCAjNtpUcDs1v1wzQF3vApw70DexLxObeWznP0PItiXkBWgqLoEGa7Lia1IN0XAsyXZct-DB\")