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 - July 10, 2011
From: Houston, TX
Region: Hawaii
Topic: Invasive Plants, Wildflowers
Title: A&M maroon bluebonnets for Hawaii
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My daughter graduated from Texas A&M and has moved to Hawaii. She would love to have the maroon bluebonnets developed by A&M to plant in her new home. How would she need to prepare the seeds since there is no winter there? What restrictions would there be in importing seeds to Hawaii in accordance with their laws?ANSWER:
Ohhhh, noooo! Another request for bluebonnets (that are maroon) for a place where they don't belong!! We get requests, for the blue ones at least, from New York, Alaska, Germany, England, Afghanistan and many other exotic locations from homesick Texans. Alas, our magic wand is in the shop and we don't think it can be pulled off. However, first you (and/or your daughter) should read our How-To Article on How to Grow Bluebonnets. Now, from the Aggie Horticulture Archives, Colorization of the State Flower. Also, from Aggie Horticulture, The Real Story of Maroon Bluebonnets. And, finally, from the Texas bluebonnet Seed Company, The Aggiebonnet.
On your question about importing seeds into Hawaii, here are some resources:
University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Advice on Obtaining Seeds of Plants for Conservation
Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant Guidelines for Importation to Hawaii
The most important thing we want to say to you is that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. Hawaii's beautiful native horticulture is severely threatened by the invasiveness of plants from other parts of the world. The lush lava-based soils and generous rains could easily cause the Aggiebonnet to go wild, literally. We would hate to think of even a funny-colored bluebonnet becoming an alien invasive in another beautiful state.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Non-native zoysia and bermuda grasses in Austin
July 11, 2013 - We have Bermuda grass in the front and Zoysia in the back yards. The back grass is fine but the front yard Bermuda isn't. We have watered once each week during the spring and during the past 3 weeks...
view the full question and answer
Methods of controlling poison ivy
April 19, 2005 - What do you suggest for controlling poison oak (ivy)?
view the full question and answer
Native vs. invasive photosynthesis and CO2 exchange.
June 27, 2008 - My group is conducting an experiment on invasive and native plants in Valdosta, Georgia. Are invasive plant species better adapted to live in Valdosta than native plant species? How do invasive specie...
view the full question and answer
Dead-appearing Royal Paulownia trees in Manteno, IL
May 02, 2009 - Have two Royal Paulownia trees two years old.Last fall all leaves fell off. Have two eight foot toothpicks. This spring, nothing happening.Are they dead or will they come back? If they come back what ...
view the full question and answer
Removing invasive Dichelostemma firecracker plant from Austin
April 12, 2012 - We have dichelostemma firecracker plant & cannot kill it. We need help in getting rid of this plant. Spent another 3 hours digging up corms this afternoon. It is invading our backyard & want it kil...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |