At Our Land Organics, we love groundcovers. Well-chosen groundcovers can dramatically reduce the number of weeds in a landscape by functioning as a living mulch. In addition, many native groundcovers provide a range of aesthetic and ecological benefits all while helping to suppress weeds.

Unfortunately, many groundcovers in our region aren’t native. And sometimes, these invasive groundcovers cause more harm than good. Case in point: English ivy. Read on to learn more about the pitfalls of English ivy plus suggestions for native groundcovers to plant instead.

The Pitfalls of English Ivy

One of the more common groundcovers we come across, English ivy also happens to be one of the most invasive.

English ivy was brought to the United States in the 18th century and has long been marketed as a groundcover in American landscapes. Its aggressive growth and gripping tendrils, however, make it a true menace in the landscape. As many readers have likely observed, English Ivy does not respect boundaries. It will grow up, around, across, or through any fence, building, tree, or shrub that stands in its path.

In the landscape environment, English ivy contributes to massive amounts of property damage. When it is not diligently maintained, it will grow over and across fences, walls, up power lines, and through gutters. We have seen it pull mortar right out of a brick wall, strip the paint off a fence, or catch fire to an overhead electrical line.

When English ivy escapes the landscape environment and enters forest settings, it quickly grows up the trunks of trees, prohibiting photosynthesis and nutrient dispersal while also trapping moisture against the tree’s trunk. Many mature trees suffocate this way, strangled to death by English ivy’s grasping tendrils.

Luckily, compared to some other invasives, removing English ivy is pretty simple, and there are numerous native alternatives to English ivy for those hoping to enjoy the benefits of groundcover.

Native Alternative to English Ivy: Shady Conditions

In shadier, more wooded areas, we love to use Carex, a low-growing sedge, as a native groundcover. There are many different varieties to use depending on soil conditions, but we frequently use Carex pensylvanica.

This native sedge establishes well under trees and can even be used as a lawn alternative. It can be paired with Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) to create a more varied, blooming texture. Its foliage is often utilized as nest material by a number of bird species.

We grow and sell organic varieties of both Carex pensylvanica and Carex muskingumensis (a native sedge that loves wet conditions) in The Nursery.

Native Alternatives to English Ivy: Sunny Conditions

In sunnier areas, we frequently plant native geraniums, which establish well and will gradually spread to fill in bare areas. Providing food for pollinators and fragrance for anyone walking by, geraniums are a great choice for border beds and walkways. Also, new research has shown that geraniums help control Japanese beetle populations. Scientists have observed Japanese beetles becoming temporarily paralyzed after consuming geranium foliage. While the foliage doesn’t kill them, it makes them very vulnerable to local predators.

Another sun-loving option we enjoy is strawberry. Not many people look to fruit-bearing plants for groundcover, but we have had success using strawberries for exactly that purpose in our landscapes. Additionally, with a wide range of seasonally bearing varieties, groundcovering strawberries can keep your fridge stocked for a good portion of the growing season.

If English ivy is taking over your yard, or if you’re trying to reduce the amount of mulch you use each year, give these native groundcovers a shot. They are staples in many of our projects, and we’d love to help you introduce them into your space.