Preventing erosion on a slope using plants is an effective and environmentally friendly approach to stabilize soil. Native plants are especially well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, making them excellent choices for erosion control. Below are some considerations before you start and a list of plants that may be suitable.

Consider the Site Conditions

• If your eroding slope is too steep, you may want to consider re-grading the area to make a gentler slope or to repair areas that are badly eroded.
• Try to slow down the stormwater that is causing problems on the slope. This may mean adding rock to slow down and spread-out water before it reaches the slope.
• Natural jute or coconut coir fabric can be laid on a slope to stop erosion and stabilize soil. Plants can be planted in the fabric, and it will decompose over time. Any lime or fertilization should be done before laying fabric.

Avoid Invasive Plants!

First and foremost, avoid planting invasive species.  English Ivy, Asiatic Jasmine, and Vinca are examples of plants that will grow unchecked and invade natural ecosystems.  Plants like Pampas Grass are invasive and grow in heavy clumps that exacerbate erosion.

Wildflowers

A meadow of flowers and grasses can provide excellent erosion control once established.  Once the soil is stabilized with jute fabric, a wildflower seed mix may be sown.  Be sure to choose wildflower seed mixes from reputable sources that are specific to the southeast.Some seed companies have specific seed mixes for a slope with a combination of grass and wildflower seeds.  An example is Ernst Seeds

Terracing

On a steep slope, terraces may make establishment of plants easier and help to slow water down.  Terraces prevent erosion by shortening the long slope into a series of shorter, more level steps. These level steps allow heavy rains to soak into the soil rather than run off and cause erosion.  The terrace can be complex or simply built with large rocks to create the terraces.

Plants for Erosion Control

The following list of plants are suited to landscapes in coastal North Carolina.  It is always important to plant the right plant in the right place.  Light, water, soil, and other conditions should be considered when choosing the correct plants.

Grasses and Sedges

Deep rooted grasses and sedges can be ideal for a slope.  Once established they should require infrequent or no mowing, which is ideal for a steep slope.

→ Many species of Carex sedges are available and can be purchased wholesale as plugs from growers like Hoffman Nursery (hoffmannursery.com/).

Ground Covers

A tough and drought resistant ground cover may be ideal for a hot and sunny slope.  Reminder to avoid invasive, vining ground covers like vinca, Asiatic jasmine, and English ivy.

Shrubs

Woody shrubs have deep branching roots that can help prevent erosion and deter foot traffic in erosion prone areas.

4-6’
Full Sun/Part Shade
Suckering roots can help with erosion control

Florida Doghobble Agarista populifolia 8-12’ 6-8’ Part Shade Suckering evergreen, good for moist sites
Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens 3-4’ 5-6’ Part Shade Blooms on new growth

Trees

Tree canopies can help to block and slow water on a slope.  The tree roots will help to keep soil in place.

Herbaceous Perennials

These flowering perennials would work well on a slope, provide color, and support pollinators.  They can be planted by seed, plug, or pot.  These species spread prolifically through re-seeding or rhizomes.