Best Bets: Plants for Particular Uses
Using native plants in the home landscape can be an excellent method for controlling erosion The deep root systems of native grasses and the spreading lateral roots of sedges are particularly effective at holding the soil and keeping it from washing away. Wetland plant species are good choices for rain gardens and maintaining banks of ponds or streams. The extensive and dense root systems of trees are useful, especially on slopes, to secure and protect the soil.
Ferns | Grasses, Sedges & Rushes | Ground Covers | Perennials | Shrubs | Trees | Vines | How to Use the Fact Sheets
Ferns
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes

Photo Dwayne Estes via
TN-KY Plant Atlas


(Gray’s sedge)
Photo © Elaine Mills

(common rush).
Photo © Elaine Mills
Ground Covers

Photo © Elaine Mills

Photo © Elaine Mills
Perennials


Photo © Elaine Mills
Shrubs

(New Jersey Tea).
Photo © Elaine Mills

Photo © Elaine Mills

(silky dogwood)
.Dan Mullan CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

(shrubby St. John’s wort)
Photo (Public Domain via Flickr)

Photo © Elaine Mills

Photo © Elaine Mills

Photo © Elaine Mills
Trees

Photo © Elaine Mills
Vines


Photo © Elaine Mills