Native Plants

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A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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136 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page

topic	question
Plant Lists Wildlife Gardens Shrubs	Native Ohio Shubs for Wildlife July 20, 2015 Hi, I'm looking to plant shrubs and bushes for in front of our home this week but would like to plant some that are good for wildlife including bees and birds. Do you have any suggestions for norther... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Pests	Keeping bugs out of a Texas home June 29, 2015 I'm slowly growing my gardens into natural habitats for birds, bees, butterflies and other little critters but would like to keep them outside of my house. Being in central Texas it is difficult to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Trees	Is Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) a major nectar source for honeybees? January 31, 2015 Is the Sweetbay Magnolia a major nectar source for honeybees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Trees	Is Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin tree) a major honeybee nectar source? January 31, 2015 Is the Franklinia tree a major nectar source for honeybees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs	Forage plants for deer in Central Texas December 06, 2014 Looking for best forage plants and seed for deer forage, Canyon Lake-New Braunfels, Tx. Have searched listings, but areas are NE or other and not relevant to my location. Your time much appreciated. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Plants for hummingbirds and butterflies in Galveston County TX September 09, 2014 I am looking for native plants for a butterfly and hummingbird garden. I plan on putting the hummingbird garden in part shade and would like some Fall blooming plants to attract them during migration.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Wildlife Gardens	Plants beneficial to honey bees in Indiana August 30, 2014 I am searching for a list of shrubs, vines, low growing plants that would benefit, specifically honeybees in southeast Indiana. My Soil & Water Conservation District would like to offer these plants f... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Wildlife Gardens Shade Tolerant Herbs/Forbs Shrubs	Wildlife Attracting Plants for a Shady Patio July 03, 2014 We have a concrete patio that receives 2-3 hours of sunlight a day, so the only plants we will be able to grow will be in container. We are looking for plants that do well in shade, and containers and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Listing of plants matched to specific pollinators July 01, 2014 Could you refer me to a listing of plants matched to specific pollinators? I have completed the conversion of a local nature center garden to a pollinator garden with all natives. We hope to place ed... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Shrubs	Hedge shrubs that attract butterflies & birds in Virginia June 13, 2014 Hi - I need recommendations for north VA hedge shrubs that attract butterflies and birds. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Trees	Species of hackberry best for wildlife from Georgetown, TX February 21, 2014 Which species of Hackberry tree is the best for wildlife in Georgetown, TX (just north of Austin)? Your Plant Database says Celtis occidentals is "among the BEST food and shelter plants for wildlife,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Native annuals for pollinators in King County, Washington February 06, 2014 I live in King County, Washington State, and I have a plot in a community garden. Rather than plant food, I'd like to attract pollinators. I need to use native annuals rather than perennials as the c... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees	Need plants beneficial or attractive to bees in Dripping Springs, TX January 27, 2014 Can you provide a specific list of plants beneficial or attractive to honey bees in the Texas Hill Country (we raise bees in Dripping Springs, TX.) Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs Trees	Wildlife and bird friendly hedgerow for Chicago suburb November 30, 2013 Want to plant a wildlife/bird friendly hedgerow in suburban Chicago. Looking for a recommended mix of understory trees as well a shrubs and grasses. Site is part shade with average to wet soil and tr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Edible Plants Drought Tolerant Privacy Screening Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Vines	A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas October 25, 2013 I was hoping you could suggest a few plants that would serve several purposes. I live in New Braunfels, TX and would like to incorporate as many drought tolerant plants which would support birds, but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Wildlife Gardens	Plants for pollinators in Brown County, Texas July 23, 2013 I am attempting to plant on our family property a wide range of native plants for the central Texas area (May, TX). The flowers, bushes and trees that rely on pollinators, in particular bees, in order... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Laws Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Neighborhood association wanting wildflowers mowed from Grand Prairie TX July 14, 2013 For at least 15 years, I have been fostering growth of wildflowers in 60% of my 90x400' yard which include 150' utility trunkline easement in which I can plant no trees. This year, we had volunteer ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens	Wildflowers for bees in Missouri July 13, 2013 Mr. Smarty Plants, I just became a beekeeper and would like to plant wildflowers that are best for bees. The area to plant is partially shaded with clay soil. Do you have any suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens	A list of bloom times for wildflowers in Michigan July 03, 2013 Hello, I am new to bee keeping and live in central Michigan. Can you tell me or do you know where I could find a list of the Michigan wild flower bloom times? This would be very helpful to me. Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Replacement for Globe Thistle in Virginia June 15, 2013 Hi, We are trying to get our garden to be 100% North American Native and are at about 90% native to our region. One of the last plants we have to replace is our Globe Thistle. Do you have a good r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Poisonous Plants Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Trees	Wildlife garden for Austin May 19, 2013 I am trying to make my backyard more wildlife friendly. I have pecan trees for the canopy and some understory shrub/trees like rough leaf dogwood and redbud. I am having a really hard time finding sui... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Deer Resistant Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like	Plant for deep shade in Pennsylvania April 09, 2013 Hi! I am landscaping our house and trying to use only plants that provide seasonal benefit to bees, butterflies, birds etc. not the deer though. My question is that I have a fairly steep slope of abou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees	Shade-loving plants for birds in New Jersey March 25, 2013 What native plants should I add to my property, Zone 6, to feed birds naturally? I have a heavily treed lot, so I'd like names of shade loving perennials. Seed or fruit bearing options would be gre... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens	Bee Plants for Victoria Texas March 09, 2013 I live in Victoria south Texas and want to plant bee beneficial native wildflowers, could you provide advice or contact View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs Trees	Interested in a mini food forest February 04, 2013 I am interested in starting a mini "food forest" in a twelve foot by twelve foot patch of earth next to my house. I'd like to put a focus on making sure that the bulk of the plants I introduce are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds January 24, 2013 Need 3-6 foot perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds in Paris Texas...full sun, with sprinkler system View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Planting Edible Plants	Landscaping from Wilmington NC December 22, 2012 I plan on moving to Belmont NC in the next couple of years and settling down with my future wife in her home town. I am a huge do it yourself person. I love to make things from scratch, including buil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Identification Wildlife Gardens Trees	Mystery tree with yellow fruit in MN November 12, 2012 There is a tree at my workplace, about 8' tall, with small, pea-sized yellow berries right now (Oct. 2012). The berries are attractive to Cedar Waxwings, and the tree has small leaves that are simple... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Planting Seeds and Seeding Erosion Control Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Establishing wildflowers on a slope in Virginia August 18, 2012 From Roanoke Virginia. I have a steep bank rising from one side of my driveway to woods above. Different areas vary from full sun, to half day shade. It is possible to carefully walk/stand on it, we a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Dutchman's pipe vine dying in Fitchburg ME August 15, 2012 I have 2 dutchmans pipe vines they have been growing for over 20 years. Now all of a sudden the foliage is wilting and dying. The other one is completely fine. What would cause this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Erosion Control Turf Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Plants to prevent erosion in IL August 02, 2012 We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Planting Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees Vines Wildflowers	Bird-friendly plants for the Texas coast July 13, 2012 I'm interested in starting a native plant garden, specifically with an eye towards providing food (either from the plants or insects that are attracted to the plants) for migratory birds. However, s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Shrubs	Will hybrid Tecoma stans attract hummingbirds from Glendale AZ July 07, 2012 We bought a bells of fire plant; would like to know if hummingbirds like them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Water Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Plants for swan food July 03, 2012 Dear Mr Smarty Pants, I have a farm in VA with a large pond or lake fenced in. I am rescuing a pair of swan and want to grow plants around the fence and pond that they can eat. Could you suggest an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Xeriscapes Planting Cacti and Succulents Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees	Foundation plants for Albuquerque. July 01, 2012 Hello, I live in Albuquerque. I am looking for some native/xeric low water usage plants for foundation plants for my home. They will be foundation plants for a two story home that has a large ponde... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Poisonous Plants Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Vines	Non-toxic plants for dog yard from Freeport PA June 24, 2012 I'm looking for wildlife-friendly native plants that aren't toxic to dogs. I have a place for some small shrubs and/or flowers. And a climbing vine that I could train on a trellis would work espec... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Erosion Control Shrubs	Shrubs and small trees for a slope in NY May 21, 2012 We are looking for a living wall made of shrubs / small trees - no more than 25' for the top of a steep creek bed. We are looking for the best erosion preventing types. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Poisonous Plants	Plants for exotic pets May 14, 2012 I need to know what are some good native non-toxic plants for these species: Porcelain roach (Gyna lurida) from Kenya, Africa. Giant cave roach (Blaberus giganteus) from Central and South Americ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
General Botany Pollinators Rare or Endangered Plants Seed and Plant Sources Wildlife Gardens Planting Propagation Groundcovers Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees Vines Wildflowers	Restoring the woods in Central Austin. May 08, 2012 I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Poisonous Plants	hummingbird attractants May 03, 2012 I live in Baytown, Texas and am looking for a variety of plants that attract Hummingbirds, but are also pet friendly. I have two dogs, so this is a major concern. I am putting the plants in my backyar... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Trees	Evergreens for a deer corridor in MI April 16, 2012 I am growing three rows of evergreens for a wildlife, deer travel corridor, and am looking for which trees grow well together and are shade tolerant of each other when planted at the same time, or at ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Shade Tolerant Herbs/Forbs	Hummingbird Attracting Plants for Shade in Smithville, TX March 28, 2012 I want hummingbird plants for shade. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Wildlife Gardens Herbs/Forbs	Native plants in Denton Co. TX pollinated by bats or hummingbirds December 07, 2011 I am looking for a list of Denton Co. TX native plants that are pollinated by bats? Do we have any? How about hummingbirds? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Wildflower Center Wildlife Gardens Planting Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees Wildflowers	Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas. December 04, 2011 I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Wildflowers	Bee-pasture recommendations for AR November 30, 2011 Hello, I live in Melbourne, Ar, up in the NE corner of the state. I keep bees and would like to put in a couple acres of something for them. I'm leaning towards Viper's Bugloss. Do you know where I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildflower Center Water Gardens Wildlife Gardens	Hungry turtles trample pond in Houston Texas October 17, 2011 I have a very large back yard pond (actually, a former swimming pool) that's home to a bullfrog, four Red-eared slider turtles, and scads of gambusia (little mosquito eating fish). I'd like to add n... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens	Hummingbird plants for OH October 08, 2011 We live in Toledo, Ohio and would like to have a Hamelia patens or firebush to attract hummingbirds; we are in their migration path. Would it survive outdoors or do we need to pot and move it indoors ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Water Gardens Wildlife Gardens Wildflowers	Wildflowers for a pond in MO September 10, 2011 I have a spring fed pond in Missouri and would like to plant perennial wildflowers in the area around it. Are there any that would do better or others that are not recommended? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Butterfly Gardens Wildlife Gardens Shrubs	Shrubby options for a bird lover in New Jersey September 07, 2011 Could you please recommend a native shrub to NJ that grows to about 3-4 feet, is very low maintenance, does well in afternoon sun and is also something the birds will like? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Xeriscapes Planting Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs Trees Wildflowers	Need suggestions for plants for a bird/small wildlife refuge in Wichita Co, TX. August 26, 2011 With our continuing drought in North Texas, I'm planning to transform my small backyard into a bird/small wildlife "refuge". What types of native plants and grasses can I plant in dry, hot Wichita ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
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