Hearty walkable groundcover - Ask Extension
What are the best low profile, hearty, walkable, drought tolerant groundcovers to use in Hillsboro Oregon, to replace grass? I have found one that I l...
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Hearty walkable groundcover #879789
Asked August 01, 2024, 4:34 PM EDT
What are the best low profile, hearty, walkable, drought tolerant groundcovers to use in Hillsboro Oregon, to replace grass? I have found one that I love called Frog Fruit or Turkey Tail, but I cannot find a definitive answer as to whether it will survive in the 97124 zones. I have also entertained Creeping Thyme, but it does not seem as hearty as Frog Fruit, which is highly walkable and can withstand dog traffic.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Jolin. Without knowing more about your site, it is difficult to recommend any species that meets all of your needs. (Landscape designers are trained in asking for the necessary information.) But here is a WSU resource which lists native groundcovers, together with photos and plant descriptions: https://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/Groundcovers.aspx
You also might want to consider an eco-lawn: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/ecolawn-less-work-water
I can find no resources which recommend Frog Fruit for our region, but it is common in the south (https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/monroe/docs/Frogfruit-Phyla-nodiflora.pdf).
I would be wary of creeping thyme, as it is poisonous, and is labelled invasive in many jurisdictions: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gallery/fire-resistant-plant-profiles-groundcovers
I hope this helps. Good luck!
You also might want to consider an eco-lawn: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/ecolawn-less-work-water
I can find no resources which recommend Frog Fruit for our region, but it is common in the south (https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/monroe/docs/Frogfruit-Phyla-nodiflora.pdf).
I would be wary of creeping thyme, as it is poisonous, and is labelled invasive in many jurisdictions: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gallery/fire-resistant-plant-profiles-groundcovers
I hope this helps. Good luck!
