Native Plant Restoration on Missouri Clay: Zone 6 Xeriscape Guide

The Site

3.5 acres in Foristell, MO (Zone 6). Cleared volunteers, burns, scrub—bare clay soil eroding fast. Mixed sun/shade. Xeriscape (no irrigation). Needs prep and plant list.

Prep Work

• Plant in spring (April rains aid establishment).
• Spread straw/organic matter on stripped soil to reduce runoff.
• Organics create water infiltration paths in heavy clay.

Plant List (Zone 6 or Colder)

Trees/Shrubs: Birch, Dogwood, Quaking Aspen, Potentilla (shrubby cinquefoil), Rhododendron, Netleaf Willow, Silverberry, American Cranberry Bush, Japanese Barberry, Juniper, Tatarian Honeysuckle, Siberian Crabapple, American Arborvitae, Panicle Hydrangea, Amur/Common Privet, Vanhoutte Spirea, Japanese Yew, Boxwood, American Holly.
Vines/Groundcovers: Boston Ivy, Virginia Creeper, Wintercreeper, English Ivy.

Selection Tool

Filter by sun/shade at GrowIt! Landscape Database.

Key Principle

Mimic forest duff: organics on/in soil control erosion on clay. Establish with minimal water; then xeriscape thrives.