Native Plants for Sunny Slopes

Broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus). Photo: John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org

Updated: August 9, 2023

Historically, alien plant species with the following attributes were used for the purpose of slope stabilization:

aggressive, spreading behavior
deer resistance
quick germination and growth
winter presence

Many of these species are now regarded as invasive plants. A more modern and ecologically sound approach is to use native plants that have some of these attributes.

Sunny sites are brutal during hot, dry summer weather. Dryness is amplified by the quick drainage found on steep slopes. Any rain that falls doesn't stay for long. Some native plants perform well in these environments. Here are our favorite plants for sunny slopes.

Broomsedge

Andropogon virginicus

Slope attributes: deer resistant, winter presence
Soil Requirements: moist to dry, poor soils

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Slope Attributes: spreads aggressively by rope-like rhizomes, deer resistant
Soil Requirements: mesic

Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Slope Attributes: deer resistant
Soil Requirements: thrives on slopes because they provide the excellent drainage this species requires; slow growing but deep tap root may provide long-term slope stabilization value

Partridge Pea

Chamaecrista fasciculata

Slope Attributes: rapid germination
Soil Requirements: mesic to dry

Mistflower

Conoclinium coelestinum

Slope Attributes: aggressive, spreads by rhizomes
Soil Requirements: good for moist ground often found at the base of a slope

Southeastern Wildrye

Elymus glabriflorus

Slope Attributes: aggressive, deer resistant, quick germination, basal evergreen blades provide winter presence
Soil Requirements: moist to dry
Note: Only native to the Coastal Plain ecoregion

Virginia Wildrye

Elymus virginicus

Slope Attributes: deer resistant, quick germination, basal evergreen blades provide winter presence
Soil Requirements: moist to dry
Notes: native throughout the state but more abundant west of the Coastal Plain

Red Cedar

Juniperus virginicus

Slope Attributes: small tree is among first species to colonize abandoned fields, fast growing, evergreen
Soil Requirements: mesic to dry

Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa

Slope Attributes: deer resistant, spreading groundcover, winter presence
Soil Requirements: only for extremely dry well-drained sites such as sand or rock outcrops

Hairy Beardtongue

Penstemon hirsutus

Slope Attributes: thrives in hot, rocky soils
Soil Requirements: dry, moderate to excellent drainage
Notes: Grows on rock outcrops in Piedmont and Mountain ecoregions. Not recommended for the Coastal Plain.

Clustered Mountainmint

Pycnanthemum muticum

Slope Attributes: very aggressive, very deer resistant, winter presence
Soil Requirements: moist to dry

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Slope Attributes: quick germination, winter presence
Soil Requirements: moderate to dry

Winged Sumac

Rhus copallinum

Slope Attributes: aggressive, deer resistant, winter presence
Soil Requirements: mesic to dry

Pasture Rose

Rosa carolina

Slope Attributes: spreading, deer resistant
Soil Requirements: mesic to dry sandy or rocky soils, also known as rock rose because it does well in shallow soil over rock outcrops

Gray Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis

Slope Attributes: deer resistant, quick germination, winter presence
Soil Requirements: poor, dry soil

Wrinkle-leaved Goldenrod

Solidago rugosa

Slope Attributes: deer resistant, quick germination
Soil Requirements: for moister or richer soils that can often be found at the bottom of a slope

American Germander

Teucrium canadense

Slope Attributes: aggressive, spreading, deer resistant
Soil Requirements: moist to mesic

Purpletop

Tridens flavus

Slope Attributes: deer resistant
Soil Requirements: moist to dry, tolerant of roadside conditions including compaction and road salt

Slopes and Deer - Steep slopes present an opportunity to use native plants that are vulnerable to deer. Deer are browsing and grazing many of our native plant species into oblivion, but they cannot risk a twisted or broken ankle, so they avoid slopes. You can see the result in natural areas, where vulnerable species like azaleas and mountain laurels are no longer found except on slopes.

Related information

Deer Resistant Native Plants

Meadow Plants for Maryland Coastal Plain

Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)

Additional resources

Your local native plant vendor can recommend even more great native plants to help you with your slope planting project! They will want to know the specifics of your site, such as soil texture, pH, and moisture. If you live in Maryland's mountain counties, your vendor will also need to know your slope's aspect and soil depth.

You can get more information about preventing soil erosion from your local Soil & Water Conservation District.

By Dr. Sara Tangren, former Sr. Agent Associate, University of Maryland Extension, Home & Garden Information Center.

Still have a question? Contact us at Ask Extension.