14 Grass Alternatives That Thrive in Shady Yards

These plants do well in partial to full shade, making them a great option for areas that don't get a lot of sun.

Photo: Laszlo Podor / Getty Images

While lush green grass is popular, it can be not easy to maintain—especially if your yard doesn't get a lot of sun. If you're tired of looking at bald patches in your landscape where grass won't grow, plenty of lawn alternatives thrive in partial to full shade. From options with grass-like foliage to flowering ground covers, you don't need access to sunlight to create the landscape of your dreams. We're sharing the best grass alternatives experts say will flourish in shady lawns.

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Lungwort

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a compact, herbaceous, mounding variety with silvery foliage and baby blue flowers that bloom in spring. "It has long-lasting beauty with flowers and foliage in shady conditions," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. A desirable grass alternative, lungwort needs minimal fertilization, is resistant to common pests, needs no mowing, and attracts hummingbirds.

Zones: 4 to 9 
Size: 6 to 10 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Part-shade to full shade; well-drained soil

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Blue Mouse Ears Hosta

Hostas are commonly used as shade plants, and blue mouse ears hosta is a wonderful option if you're looking for a grass alternative, says Langelo. This variety has blue-green, heart-shaped leaves and showy flowers. "This plant needs no mowing; however, you can remove the leaves in the fall after a freeze since this is an herbaceous perennial," says Langelo.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Part-shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, organically rich soil
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Golden Star

Golden star (Chrysogonum virginianum) is an herbaceous, low-growing perennial with bright yellow flowers. "In cool summer climates, these bloom in spring and fall. In hot summer climates, these plants bloom in spring only," says Langelo. Golden Star is native to areas with heavy shade and needs no mowing.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Part-shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, acidic soil

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Common Bugle

The common bugle (Ajuga reptans) is a dense mat-forming ground cover with dark green leaves and blue-violet flowers that bloom in May and June. This plant spreads quickly and looks beautiful when it's in full bloom, says Langelo. No mowing is required to keep it looking tidy.

Zones: 3 to 10
Size: 6 to 10 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade to full sun; moist, well-drained soil

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Allegheny Spurge

Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) is a shrubby ground cover that spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of matte blue-green leaves mottled with purple and white, says Langelo. This plant is very hardy and can tolerate foot traffic, making it a great alternative to grass.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade to partial shade; well-drained, organically rich, acidic soil

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Periwinkle

As the name implies, periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a plant that produces lavender-blue flowers, which bloom in spring. "This is a beautiful flowering grass alternative that is very prolific and tolerates drought and shade," says Langelo. "It does well in part to full shade."

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 3 to 6 inches tall x 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

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Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing creeping plant that forms a carpet of bright yellow flowers and ruffled leaves. "It is low-maintenance, hardy, and withstands foot traffic," says Langelo. Keep in mind that creeping Jenny spreads aggressively and is a noxious weed in some places.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist soil

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Clover

One of the most popular grass alternatives, clover (Trifolium spp.) features trifoliate leaves and characteristic white flowers that appear in early summer. Clover requires less frequent mowing than turf and it doesn't need fertilizer or pesticides to thrive. The roots are shallow so it will not do well in dry soils, says Langelo.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 6 inches tall x 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

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Microclover

Microclover (Trifolium repens) is more dense than white clover and produces fewer flowers and smaller leaves, says Langelo. Unlike grass, there is no need to aerate or dethatch microclover. It's a good option for areas of your yard that need erosion control and is known for performing well in compacted soil.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 1 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

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Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a beautiful ground cover that produces small aromatic leaves and purple or pink flowers that bloom during spring. "Creeping thyme can handle light shade, adds fragrance and color to the garden, and forms a dense mat," says Kelly Funk, president of Park Seed.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

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Irish Moss

Irish moss (Sagina subulata) will add texture to the shady areas of your landscape thanks to its tiny bright green leaves and small white flowers. "It creates a soft, carpet-like appearance that’s visually appealing and inviting to walk on," says Funk. It thrives in shady areas where traditional grass struggles.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 1 to 2 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, moist soil

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Sedum

Sedums are succulents with fleshy leaves and are available in various colors and textures, depending on the variety, says Funk. It's a desirable alternative to traditional grass because it is drought-tolerant and adds a unique texture to gardens. "It is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for water-wise gardens," she says.

Zones: 3 to 11
Size: 3 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

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Heucherella

Heucherella is known for its beautiful foliage. "Heucherella features attractive foliage in various colors, including shades of green, bronze, and purple, often with striking patterns or marbling," says Funk. "The plant also produces delicate spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in colors ranging from white to pink." This low-growing ornamental ground cover thrives in shady conditions where grass may struggle to grow.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

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Hakone Grass

Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) is an ornamental plant with arching, bamboo-like foliage. It comes in shades of green, gold, or variegated, forming a graceful, flowing mound that offers a soft texture and lush appearance, says Funk. In place of turf, it will add a unique, ornamental quality to your landscape.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil