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
Tuesday - October 25, 2005
From: Quemado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Native plants growing between Eagle Pass and Del Rio, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have just bought an acre near Quemado, Texas. That's about halfway between Eagle Pass and Del Rio. I'd like to know what the native plants for this area are, especially colorful flowers for the spring and summer.ANSWER:
Here is a list of some common colorful flowers that you will find blooming in your area:1. Huisache daisy (Amblyolepis setigera)
2. Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
4. Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera)
5. Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
6. Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
7. Prairie paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea)
8. Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides)
9. Zexmenia (Wedelia texana)
10. Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana)
11. Red-flowered false yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
12. Various species of Opuntia cactus (Opuntia spp.) such as O. engelmannii, O. leptocaulis, O. phaeacantha.
13. Various species of Yucca such as Y. constricta, Y. treculeana, Y. torrei.
There are many more possibilities. I suggest you consult "Wildflowers of the Western Plains" by Zoe M. Kirkpatrick, 1992, University of Texas Press, to see more possibilities. Another excellent book for your region is "Wildflowers of the Big Bend Country" by Barton H. Warnock. 1970. Sul Ross State University. This book is sadly out of print, but you might be able to find a copy in your local library.
I assume you are considering planting wildflowers on your property. You might like to take a look at the articles about wildflower gardening, such as "Wildflower Meadow Gardening", in our Native Plant Library. To find a source for native seeds in your area, you can visit the National Suppliers Directory. Finally, since your area is rather dry, you might consider sowing your seeds using seed balls.
More Wildflowers Questions
Seeding south Florida native wildflower meadow
March 06, 2008 - Information about seeding a south Florida native wildflower meadow. Have only found information north Florida.
view the full question and answer
Blooming time in Austin for wildflowers
March 12, 2007 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants!! I am a wildflower artist coming for my first spring visit to Austin to exhibit in the Artisan's Festival. As a wildflower fanatic, I am hoping to see and photograph some of "...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for October wedding from Rockford AL
April 26, 2013 - Want to plant wildflowers that will bloom in early October in central Alabama for a wedding. Can you give me any suggestions ?
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers of my region
March 20, 2004 - How can I learn more about the native plants and wildflowers of my region?
view the full question and answer
Is Rudbeckia hirta annual, biennial... or what?
January 20, 2010 - The desciption for Rudbeckia hirta says it is biennial and blooms the second year then further down the page it says it is an annual, which is it? Will I see blooms the first or second year?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |