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
Friday - June 24, 2011
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Native Species List for Ponca OK
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I planted daylilies in my Austin garden and did not do well. I moved these daylilies to my garden in Ponca City Oklahoma and have done outstanding relying only on mother nature's rain. My garden in Austin is 90 % North American Native and would like to make the garden in Ponca native as well. Please advise if you have a list of plants native to Ponca City, Oklahoma.ANSWER:
We sure do! At least we do at the state level.
The recommended species link has a special list for Oklahoma. Just click on the state in that page and a list of natives adapted to OK will pop up. After that, you will be able to sort the resulting 124 species for General Appearance [Tree, Grass, Herb, etc.], Light Requirement, Water Reqirement and several other attributes you might desire.
An additional resource with a slightly more local emphasis than "OK" may be the Master Gardeners at the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The Kay County Office is in Newkirk and appears to have an active Master Gardener program. The Osage County Office is in Pahuska. You may also get more local advice from the Oklahoma Native Plant Society.
That's an interesting observation on the Daylilies. The USDA database shows the Yellow Daylily as an introduced species that is found in OK and TX and the Orange Daylily as an introduced species that is found in TX and NE, but interestingly not in OK! Unfortunately, this particular record does not show the county detail that the USDA often has, but I still expect that this is a case where you have found a microclimate that they will thrive in. It is always a good choice to go for natives as they will be adapted to the climate of your area and should thrive with minimal care.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Cottage-style landscaping for Chesapeake VA
August 02, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plant staff,
I recently moved into a cottage style home that has a poured concrete/paver patio. I am trying to come up with ideas for plantings that would 1. give me a bit of privacy,...
view the full question and answer
Flower color under large pine tree from South Elgin IL
April 05, 2013 - I have a very large pine tree that I would like to plant some flowers under. I have hostas, stonecrop and fern, but like to add some color. What do you suggest? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Native alternative for liriope
September 20, 2011 - I am looking for native alternatives to liriope for use in sun to part shade, moderate moisture planting beds. Would prefer evergreen options.
view the full question and answer
Propagation of cardinal flower with variegated leaves from Wakefield RI
August 21, 2013 - I purchased cardinal flower seeds from the Brandywine museum & have had great success for over a decade. Recently I spotted one cardinal flower with variegated leaves. Is this a plant worth propagatin...
view the full question and answer
Non-native citronella mosquito plant wintering inside in Charlotte NC
October 20, 2011 - Can I bring the citronella mosquito plant in the house over the winter, or should it be planted outside. I live in Charlotte, NC.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |