What Can I Plant That Will Grow Quickly & Stop Errosion?

Grasses

• Ornamental grasses, with their extensive, fibrous roots, are among the most effective erosion controllers. As an added bonus, most species require little maintenance, such as pruning or fertilization, and many native species don't require much irrigation. Fast-growing species include weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula), which is often planted along sloping highway borders to prevent erosion. This fine, tufted grass grows in dense, 3-foot-tall clumps. Vetiver or khus khus (Vetiveria zizanioides) is native to India, where it grows extensively along hillsides and in damp, boggy areas. This vigorous grass spreads quickly and has shallow, erosion-preventing roots. It grows in upright clumps and turns coppery purple in fall. Other fast-growing grasses that reduce erosion include smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea), bullwhip (Scirpus californicus), Garrison's creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus "Garrison's") or reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Ground Covers

• Several species of ground covers prevent erosion effectively. According to Mississippi State University, the best species are evergreen, fast-growing and low-maintenance. Most ground covers perform well in rich, organically amended soil with excellent drainage. When grown prostrate, English ivy (Hedera helix) reduces erosion. This evergreen vine spreads quickly. It comes in a range of colors and sizes and tolerates drought once established. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) also spreads quickly. This 4-inch-tall evergreen forms a mat of dense foliage and thrives in a range of soils, from sand to clay. Dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens "Nana), another erosion-controlling evergreen, grows to 18 inches high and spreads into a dense carpet of blue-green foliage. It prefers sunny exposures with well-drained soil.

Trees and Shrubs

• A few species of trees and shrubs have shallow, spreading root systems that effectively reduce erosion. These include members of the willow family (Salix spp.). White willows (S. alba var. sericea) grow quickly to 75 feet tall and have pendulous branches covered with fuzzy, white-toned foliage. They grow best in sunny sites with moist soil. The basket willow (S. purpurea), a deciduous shrub, reaches heights of 10 feet with an equal spread. It has glossy dark foliage and thrives in wet sites, such as stream banks. Dogwood (Cornus spp.) trees and shrubs also control, erosion. Species include the silky dogwood (C. amomum), a deciduous shrub that grows to 15 feet tall. It grows best in partial shade and thrives in wet to dry soils. The swamp dogwood (C. stricta) grows to 25 feet tall and grows well in wet sites, such as along stream banks. This native tree prefers full sun to partial shade and produces attractive white flowers.

Other Plants

• A few other plants help prevent erosion. These include bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), a perennial legume that grows up to 12 inches tall. It tolerates a range of poor site conditions and tolerates salt and heat. The tawny daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), a perennial flowering bulb plant, grows to 3 feet tall and blooms in summer. This hardy plant tolerates cold temperatures and a range of soil types.