The particular plants used in an area may influence the weed population and the methods of weed control used at the site. If a plant dies, weeds will exploit the unoccupied space. If other plants in the area are not growing well, weeds could spread throughout the planting, because they are often better competitors for nutrients and moisture.
North Carolina landscape situations are very diverse, ranging from mountains with high elevations and severe winter weather to coastal areas with sand and salt spray. These environments demand a great variety of plants.
The following sections list plants suggested for shaded locations, windbreaks, wet conditions, seashores, acid soils, steep sites, fall color, and city locations. These plants are listed as suggestions only; many other plants will grow under the various conditions.
Poisonous plants that could pose hazards in gardens, parks, school yards, and other locations where children are present are listed separately. A number of plants are also poisonous to animals.
Return to Landscaping to Minimize Pest Problems