Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - May 10, 2009
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Plants for Painted Lady
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
Where can I buy plants for the painted lady butterfly larvae in Houston?ANSWER:
According to Butterflies and Moths of North America, more than 100 host plants have been noted for the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly. Caterpillar favorites include thistles (Asteraceae), hollyhock and mallow (Malvaceae), and various legumes (Fabaceae). The adult Painted Lady prefers nectar from composites 3-6 feet high, especially thistles; also aster, cosmos, blazing star, ironweed, and joe-pye weed. Flowers from other families that are visited include red clover, buttonbush, privet, and milkweeds.
Any good native wildflower seed mix such as the Butterfly Retreat Mix available at Native American Seed should do the trick.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source of dollarweed for shady lawn in Hillsboro TX
December 19, 2011 - I live in Hillsboro,Tx - Where can I get Dollar Weed for my shady lawn?
view the full question and answer
Sources for Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americana) in Pennsylvania
December 01, 2005 - I am interested in purchasing some Strawberry bush plants but I am having problems finding where I can purchase them. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Replacing grass with xeric plants in Nevada
March 20, 2009 - I am looking to xeriscape my front yard - remove all grass! I am thinking 3-4 larger plants: bird of paradise (mesquite??), aloe, and ..?? Also, possibly a Chilean mesquite.
Do you have suggestio...
view the full question and answer
Source for Native and Adapted Landscape Plants: an Earthwise Guide for Central Texas
March 18, 2010 - Do you know where I could get a copy of the publication, "Native and Adapted Landscape Plants: An Earthwise Guide for Central Texas"? I believe this was a joint effort between the City of Austin an...
view the full question and answer
Source for trees from Burnet TX
August 19, 2012 - I am desperately searching the central Texas area for Pistacia Mexicana male and female trees to buy. I would like about four, maybe more. I live in the Killeen-Lampasas area and have been to seve...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |