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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - June 17, 2009
From: Canton, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrub that does not attract birds in Michigan
Answered by: Jackie OKeefe
QUESTION:
Does a "Center Glow" ninebark have seeds? I want a shrub that does NOT attract birds!ANSWER:
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark) does produce and reproduce by seeds. Ninebark 'Center Glow' is a patented cultivar of Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark). For more information about its characteristics you can contact the patent owners, Jeffries Nurseries. The 'Center Glow' cultivar can only legally be propagated by softwood cuttings, but their plant description does mention developing seed heads.
At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, our mission is to provide information and assistance in identifying, propagating and using our native species in their native ranges. Our database is not ideally suited to isolating plants that DON'T attract birds, but here are two possible options that I found by going to The Native Plant Database and doing a combination search for Michigan, shrubs, part-sun and moist soil – guessing on what parameters matched your site – and reading plant descriptions.
Ledum groenlandicum (bog Labrador tea)
Spiraea alba (white meadowsweet)
More Shrubs Questions
Looking for native plants for a rain garden in Arlington, TX.
March 12, 2012 - I am looking for native Texas plants that would do well in rain gardens. Do you have any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Shrubs meeting homeowners assoc. requirements in Charlotte NC
May 11, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am doing my darndest to establish a bird and bee friendly patch of earth here in Charlotte, NC, but I'm having a terrible time finding a shrub that matches my homeowners...
view the full question and answer
Cuttings from beautyberry from Stockport OH
May 22, 2014 - My beauty berry is starting a new growth about 2ft from main plant, can I dig this and part of the root without hurting the main part, if so, when?
view the full question and answer
Native grasses and shrubs for Houston project
November 21, 2008 - I am working on a project in Houston. As part of the sustainable approach of the project, I would like to plant native / adaptive, non-invasive grasses and shrubs. It is key that they use little wat...
view the full question and answer
Can Calycanthus floridus survive in South Dakota?
March 06, 2009 - Calycanthus in South Dakota? I've recently purchased some seeds for a calycanthus plant (floridus I think). I'm going to start them indoors but am wondering if this can survive a South Dakota winter...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |