Contributors: T.E. Bilderback, Extension Horticulture Specialist; A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist; S.C. Hodges, Extension Soil Science Specialist; L.T. Lucas, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; W.A. Skroch, Professor Emeritus, Horticulture Science; S.L. Warren, Associate Professor, Horticulture Science.

Plants for Steep Slopes

The obvious reason for establishing plants on slopes is to control erosion and minimize maintenance costs. This can be accomplished with a proper choice of plant material. For optimum growth, the soil should be tilled properly prior to planting and mulch should be applied after planting. The slope of the bank and the speed at which the plants become established are important factors in choosing a suitable cover.

Botanical Name Common Name(s)
Akebia quinata Fiveleaf Akebia
Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry
Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet
Clematis paniculata Clematis
Cotoneaster horizontalis Rockspray Cotoneaster
Euonymus fortune'Coloratus' Purple Wintercreeper, Euonymus
Forsythia intermedia Forsythia
Hedera helix English Ivy
Hypericum calycinum St. Johnswort
Jasminum floridum Primose Jasmine
Jasminum nudiflorum Winter Jasmine
Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper
Leucothoe fontanesiana Drooping Leucothoe
Myrica cerifera Wax-myrtle
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry
Parthenocissus quinquetolia Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus tricspidata Boston Ivy
Rosa banksiae Banks Rose
Rosa wichuraiana Memorial Rose
Rosmarinus otticinalis 'Prostratus' Rosemary
Vinca minor Periwinkle
Vitis rotunditolia Muscadine Grape
Fragaria chiloensis vaananassa Strawberry

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Last Modified: 07/10/96