Meehania

Meehania cordata, the creeping meehania, is a little-known but exceptionally useful native ground cover perennial for the shaded, moist conditions found in the wooded interior landscapes of Martha's Vineyard. It forms a low, spreading carpet of heart-shaped leaves beneath the island's native oak and beech canopies, tolerating the dry shade and acidic soils characteristic of these woodland understory environments. Its tubular lavender flowers in late spring provide quiet but refined ornamental interest, and the dense mat it forms effectively suppresses weeds in difficult-to-maintain shaded areas.

Deer tend to avoid it, making it a reliable option for unfenced woodland gardens throughout the island. Estate Care professionals value it in shade restoration projects on larger up-island properties where ecologically appropriate, low-maintenance ground cover is the primary design objective.