Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - February 03, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for Bigelow oak in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi folks! I noticed on my last visit to the Wildflower Center that you now have a shrub white oak/Bigelow oak which I think is new (maybe I was just seeing it for the first time). I absolutely love this tree and see it in the wild all over the place, but I have searched every local nursery (and I've called around as far as Dallas) for this tree and no one seems to grow it. Could you tell me where you got yours, or did you grow it at the center? I'd love to plant a few in my yard. Thanks!ANSWER:
That example of Quercus sinuata var. breviloba (bastard oak) was collected during a plant rescue on private property that was to be developed. We frankly don't know where you would locate it in a nursery, and don't believe we have ever sold it in our of our Plant Sales. While we could find no indication that it is an endangered plant, it may just be rare enough that it is not distributed commercially. Did you try our National Suppliers Directory? You can go there, put your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" box, and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and landscapers in your general area. Some of them might either be able to find it for you or give you some clues.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for seeds of Mexican primrose from Dallas
April 25, 2013 - Can I purchase Mexican Evening Primrose seeds now for planting in the fall or do I need to wait for the fresh crop of seeds that will be gathered from this spring flowering. How can I be assured the ...
view the full question and answer
Source for Carex senta plugs in Maryland
February 04, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have discovered that Carex senta would be a great plant to replace grass that is just not working.
There are numerous articles supporting this, as well as my local coun...
view the full question and answer
Source of Tridens flavus, purple-top grass
February 23, 2005 - Will you kindly refer me to a grower from whom I may purchase plugs of Tridens flavus, purple-top grass. for a meadow installation in zone 6.
view the full question and answer
Source for Wave scaly cloakfern (Astrolepis sinuata)
April 13, 2006 - Can't make it to the Plant Sale but really want to buy one Astrolepis sinuata (Wavy Cloak Fern) if a plant is available for sale. Is it possible to buy one if one is available after the sale date (j...
view the full question and answer
Eating green wild plums
July 23, 2010 - As a child in south Austin I always relished eating green plums beginning in mid-May. My aunt had wild plum trees - more like bushes really - that fruited starting in late April. (Sadly, they died whe...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
