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
Tuesday - June 27, 2006
From: Granite Shoals, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Identification of Texas bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Very recently on the 6 o'clock news there was a report about The Center joining UT. There was a picture of a large, purple lily-like/trumpet flower with a yellow pistil. I recall my Grandmother calling them Jasmine Lilies. I have not seen them since the late 40's. I would like to get plants or seeds. I have started through your gallery but with 19000 plus and no name I need your help! Thanks for the work you do. best regards.ANSWER:
I did not see that newscast, but I suspect the flower you saw was Texas bluebell or prairie gentian (Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum). They are in full bloom in all their glory right now. You can find nurseries and seed companies that specialize in native plants in your area in our National Suppliers Gallery that carry seeds for Texas bluebells. In a quick search, I found that Native American Seeds in Junction, Texas has Eustoma exaltatum seeds for sale.More Wildflowers Questions
Grasses and wildflowers for Central Texas
December 29, 2008 - I live between Bastrop and Paige and would like to know native grasses or types of wildflowers I can plant now.
thank you
view the full question and answer
What happens to wildflower seeds planted before a heavy rain in Cedar Creek TX
November 23, 2009 - I planted tx wildflower seeds yesterday--November 19th. It has rained all day with water standing in the places that I planted. Do you think that they will take? Am I going to have to plant more seeds...
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
March 02, 2005 - There are several different species of bluebonnets that grow in Texas. Which one is the official state flower?
view the full question and answer
Goldenrod recommendations for Buda, TX
January 22, 2011 - I am looking for a Solidago species Goldenrod that is non-invasive and suited to the area around Austin/ Buda, TX. I prefer to use a native, non-hybrid, especially since I am adjacent to a wild area. ...
view the full question and answer
Wildflower gardening for Citrus Co., Florida
March 07, 2008 - I live in Citrus County Florida, on the north central, west side of the state. I hope to start a wildflower meadow in my natural back yard. Can you recommend good wildflowers to grow, and where to g...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |