Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - March 23, 2005

From: pittsburgh, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Planting for parrots
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have 2 parrots, a sun conure and a nanday conure, and I would like to find some plants to put in their aviary room that are safe for parrots. Can you help me with this question?

ANSWER:

Since we aren't experts on bird physiology and behavior, I think you would be wise to contact bird groups whose members would have experience with plants that might be harmful to your parrots. There seem to be a number of Pennsylvania cage bird clubs. There are also lists of web sites devoted to parrots of the US, Canada and Europe. You might find information about plants that are harmful to parrots through one of the Chat Forums.

After you have determined what plants should be avoided in the aviary, you can decide on the types of native plants you would like to put there. On the Regional Factpacks page of the Wildflower web site you can download a PDF file of "Recommended Native Plant Species Lists" for the Mid-Atlantic states. The file is arranged by type of plants (Cacti, Ferns, Grasses, Shrubs, Trees, Vines, Herbaceous/ Wildflowers) and gives you the botanical names, the common names, the native range (by state) and comments about plant size, bloom color and period, habitat and special features. You can find more information about any plant you choose from the list by searching the Native Plants Database. By selecting "Pennsylvania" in the "Nurseries" database in the National Suppliers Directory you can find native plant nurseries in your area to contact to determine the availability and cost of your chosen plants.
 

More Wildlife Gardens Questions

Plant for hummingbirds shelter in Briarcliff TX
August 10, 2009 - I am looking to grow a container plant for the birds to enjoy on my back deck. A little greenery and possibly a place to rest for the birds would be great. This faces west and has no shade. There a...
view the full question and answer

Hybrid of Campsis radicans to attract hummingbirds
February 06, 2008 - Hello :) I am not new to gardening...just new with new varieties of plants/flowers. I tried to do my "homework" first before contacting you...so I do appreciate your time. Anyhoo, I'm developin...
view the full question and answer

Plants for Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies in Michigan
April 19, 2009 - I am wanting to raise Painted Lady butterflies and release them into my garden. I know that they like to eat Mallow plants, but I was wondering what kind of Mallow plant would be best for my garden?
view the full question and answer

Luring wildlife in Longview
March 27, 2005 - I live in Longview, Texas and am in the process of trying to restore a natural habitat for wildlife in my area. Could you give me a list of plants that are native specific so that I can lure local bi...
view the full question and answer

Literature on native plants and wildlife from Baltimore
September 04, 2010 - Can you tell me a good review of the literature on the relation between native plants and ecology; for example, a study might indicate how native plants support more birds or other wildlife.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.