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Native lawn substitutes #912646

Asked August 04, 2025, 3:31 PM EDT

I have small shaded yard. Want to get no mow plants native to Ohio. Also wondered if running buffalo clover, trifolium stoloniferum is viable

Summit County Ohio

Expert Response

Many types of sedges (carex species) are native to Ohio and can be used as lawn alternatives.  Additionally, some native groundcovers that grow well in shade that you might want to consider include Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense), common blue violet (Viola soraria) and periwinkle (Vinca minor).   Running buffalo clover (trifolium stoloniferum) is an endangered species that is similar to common and buffalo clover and not likely to be accessible.  Here is a link to further information about lawn alternatives:
https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-alternatives
Linda, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.os Replied August 05, 2025, 1:37 PM EDT
Thanks for the information
Jodie

On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 1:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2025, 12:40 PM EDT
This is a different buffalo clover.  What do you think
On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 1:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2025, 12:40 PM EDT
This looks interesting.  However, see conditions needed for this plant in the following article (e.g. soil texture, drainage, pH).  Also note tendency of plant to decline. 
Trifolium reflexum (Buffalo Clover) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Linda, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Thank you for allowing us to help you with your gardening questions. Here are some other helpful websites: BYGL Newsletter: http://bygl.osu.edu/ OSUE FactSheets: http://ohioline.osu.edu State Master Gardener Volunteer website - http://mastergardener.os Replied August 06, 2025, 6:56 PM EDT

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