NATIVE PLANTS FOR EROSION CONTROL

Plants that work well for erosion control often need to adapt to shallow, poor soil and cope with less than ideal conditions all while putting down dense, strong roots.  California natives are well suited to this job. They will need to be watered regularly to get them started, but once they establish they can be quite drought tolerant and hardy. Here are a few to consider.

CALYCANTHUS

Calycanthus lives up to its common name Spicebush. Fragrant flowers appear in late spring and continue to bloom well into summer with a spicy fragrance similar to a wine cellar. The foliage is aromatic when crushed and changes from a spring green color to pale golden in autumn. Decorative woody fruits last into winter making this shrub attractive year round. It thrives with infrequent to moderate watering. Combine it with coffeeberry and deer grass in sunnier spots or with Douglas iris and giant chain fern in shaded spots below trees. These also have deep roots and control erosion.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

RIBES SANGUINEUM

Ribes sanguinem (Red flowering currant) is another show stopper capable of controlling erosion. In the spring the long, flower clusters of this deciduous shrub will dominate your garden. There are many selections of this plant to choose from so if the huge white flowers appeal to you ‘White Icicle’ will be beautiful in your landscape. “Barrie Coate” and ‘King Edward VII’ have spectacular deep red flower clusters and ‘Spring Showers’ has 8″ long pink ones. Grow in full sun to partial shade. This California native requires little water once established and are a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds.