I was wondering what type of groundcover is usually planted along the highways? In VA, one particual type seems to be everywhere. It' s about a foot tall, light green in color, and right now has small purple flowers on it. The stuff seems to really take hold, and it appears that they mostly put it in the areas they don' t want to have to mow (steep hillsides, medians, etc.) I was wondering if anyone might know what kind it might be, and if it is any good for wildlife, (or if they will even eat it). I have some areas on my property that could use a good low maintenance, edible, groundcover. Thanks.

It' s probably Crown Vetch. It' s a legume so it doesn' t need nitrogen. It chokes out grass and weeds. It also holds soil very well on steep slopes. Deer don' t mind eating it if they have to.

http://www.scienceu.com/library/arti...own_vetch.html

Dan O.

Hairy vetch is common around here too.

http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forag...airy_vetch.htm

At times when I' ve bought uncertified oats, I' ve got hairy vetch with the seed. Its a gooe legume, and does add somw N to the soil - Deer seem to prefer it less than clover or other more traditional deer plots - but will eat it and obtain 10-15% protein as a result. - I would not plant it over clover for a plot. - but if you had a steep bank, or other wise inaccessable area, its a good choice.

Thanks guys! By the looks of it, it appears to be crown vetch. I may plant some in a few areas that I have where I need some " no" maintenance ground cover.