Native Plants
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Identification of evergreen bush with red berries March 17, 2016 I am a beekeeper and today I took some pictures of a bush about 8 ft. tall in my neighbors yard. My bees are all over the tiny white flowers. It appears to be an evergreen bush because it has foliag... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrubs for Birds and Bees in North Texas December 17, 2015 I have a small backyard and would love to grow native plants for North Texas. I don't think I can grow trees, but for sure can do 1-2 crape myrtle-size shrubs. I have some rose of Sharon's going on ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hillside Groundcovers for Pollinating Insects in Wisconsin November 28, 2015 I am looking for native plants for a project around Hudson, Wisconsin. We are to choose native plants to be seeded next spring 2016. They are to be planted on a hillside under and around solar panels ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What is blooming in NJ in Late November? November 27, 2015 I am a beekeeper in Edison, NJ. My bees are still bringing pollen even this late in the season (Thanksgiving). What plants or trees are still blooming? The color of the pollen is a pale yellow. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Honeybees swarming around galls on oak trees September 28, 2015 A large number of honeybees have descended on a live oak tree in my backyard. They appear to be feeding on the numerous galls on the tree as if they were flowers. What's going on? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bee-friendly bush with small yellow flowers in Minnesota August 04, 2015 I was up north in Minnesota and saw a bee friendly bush with small yellow flowers clustered so they looked like small (4"-6") flocked Christmas trees. Any ideas? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinator friendly lawn for Longmont CO July 06, 2015 I have a sunny, treeless, South-facing yard, with a slight South-facing slope in Boulder County, CO. It has one patch of buffalo grass, but is more then half some other type of grass. I would like t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Butterfly and Pollinator Plants for Indianapolis Garden June 23, 2015 I live in Indianapolis, IN and would like to have a native garden. I'd be especially interested in plants that help butterflies and bumble bees. There's a fairly dry area on the west side of the hou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinators for Palm Springs, CA June 18, 2015 Just moved to Palm Springs, California. Hot and dry, desert region. What bee and pollinator-friendly plants would do well with full afternoon sun? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bees and Bulbs April 20, 2015 Are any of the Non-Native bulbs beneficial to bees of any kind? My Dutch hyacinths, and daffodils are so prolific; they are both single, but I can't find any information about them as sources of nect... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Perennials for Bees and Butterflies in VA April 15, 2015 What native perennial plants and trees can we plant to help honey bees and butterfly larvae in Harrisonburg, VA? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Butterfly information on Wildflower.org March 23, 2015 Why are butterflies like the "canaries in the coal mine" -- or, what plants best help butterflies? I know the answers, but I don't see the info on your web site. You have a feature under native p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinators of Bauhinia lunarioides (Anacacho orchid tree) March 19, 2015 What are the pollinators of Bauhinia lunarioides? Also, is it a host plant for any butterfly or moth caterpillars? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) a major nectar source for honeybees? January 31, 2015 Is the Sweetbay Magnolia a major nectar source for honeybees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin tree) a major honeybee nectar source? January 31, 2015 Is the Franklinia tree a major nectar source for honeybees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Carolina Jessamine Toxic to Honey Bees? January 20, 2015 Is Carolina jessamine toxic to honey bees? I have read conflicting answers. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hummingbird Bushes for Broken Arrow OK August 27, 2014 I am looking for bushes that attract hummingbirds. I live in Broken Arrow, OK. Can you recommend some? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Soil Loosener/Pollinator Plants for Houston August 11, 2014 I am trying to establish a mostly-native pollinator way-station in a recently purchased lot in a 100 year old neighborhood in Houston. Much of the property has a thick layer of oyster shell four to si... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Making a pollinator garden August 11, 2014 Hello, I have a ditch right by my house and I want to turn it into a pollinator garden using native plants. My problem is, right now it's so full of weeds that we have to mow those down so soon. For ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollination of Fendlera rupicola July 17, 2014 How/by what is Fendlera rupicola pollinated? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Viburnum opulus var. americana (Viburnum trilobum) Self-fertile? April 02, 2014 I am trying to attract birds to my Chicago area yard and I believe I have good conditions to grow highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum). My question is about the need for cross pollination. The liter... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Effect on taste of honey from pollen gathered by honeybees in Appleton WI March 09, 2014 in the flower box.. We are planting perennial or self-planting annuals on our fields and open areas to feed honey bees for our apiary. We found a source and then lost it telling what effect these wil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Berries on cultivars of Ilex verticillata from Oak Park, IL February 19, 2014 I have three ilex verticillata cultivars (2 Nana, 1 Jim Dandy) planted on the west side of my house in a very shady site (there's a mature over-spreading hackberry on the parkway just to the west and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting milkweed seeds into seed mixes from Milwaukee WI February 07, 2014 My husband and I are concerned about the Monarch butterfly migration and have started an effort to get milkweed planted along some bike trails here in Wisconsin. This made me think of Ladybird Johnso... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need plants beneficial or attractive to bees in Dripping Springs, TX January 27, 2014 Can you provide a specific list of plants beneficial or attractive to honey bees in the Texas Hill Country (we raise bees in Dripping Springs, TX.) Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Cenizo for border of school garden from Cedar Park TX January 27, 2014 Hi. We're starting a school garden in Central Texas, and instead of building a fence along one side, we'd like to plant a hedge. Ideally, it would grow tall enough to deter deer from jumping over, b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas October 25, 2013 I was hoping you could suggest a few plants that would serve several purposes. I live in New Braunfels, TX and would like to incorporate as many drought tolerant plants which would support birds, but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Neighborhood association wanting wildflowers mowed from Grand Prairie TX July 14, 2013 For at least 15 years, I have been fostering growth of wildflowers in 60% of my 90x400' yard which include 150' utility trunkline easement in which I can plant no trees. This year, we had volunteer ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
A list of bloom times for wildflowers in Michigan July 03, 2013 Hello, I am new to bee keeping and live in central Michigan. Can you tell me or do you know where I could find a list of the Michigan wild flower bloom times? This would be very helpful to me. Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bees on non-native holly from Oakland TN April 18, 2013 I have bees all over my Nellie Stevens holly. Can I spray anything to alleviate this issue? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Lack of Fruit on Forestiera March 17, 2013 I have not been able to get berry production on my elbow bush. I have male and female plants. Is it possible to help with the pollination process? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bee Plants for Victoria Texas March 09, 2013 I live in Victoria south Texas and want to plant bee beneficial native wildflowers, could you provide advice or contact View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinating Pawpaws February 06, 2013 We have many good sized pawpaw trees in our area but they never bear any fruit. I've checked them at different times in the fall over the years but no fruit. Someone told me that the flowers were po... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Dogwoods cross-pollinating from Snyder, CO October 24, 2012 I have a red twig and a yellow twig dogwood. Will they cross-pollinate to produce berries? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Live oak trees buzzing in Taylor TX October 20, 2012 Is it possible for live oak trees to make a buzzing sound? We have heard this sound under our live oak and were worried it was bees but we don't seem to see any. I also heard the buzzing under my mot... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Looking for a male Southern Wax Myrtle in Newport News, VA. August 20, 2012 We are looking to add more southern wax Myrtles to make a hedge row with them. We already have one in the ground that is a female. I have called around to see if anyone sells the male but i keep get... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How Do Persimmons Breed - Starkville, MS August 14, 2012 Thank you for your earlier response about the genders of native persimmon trees. We have two, a much larger one that has borne fruit for years and years and a smaller one that I'd just assumed was m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Butterflies attracted by Pink Evening Primrose from Burnet TX July 30, 2012 I see information on Pink Evening Primrose that says it attracts 'many butterflies' Please tell me which butterflies and name them? I've looked everywhere and am just exhausted and frustrated with... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Petunias pollinated by clematis from Logansport IN July 11, 2012 Can petunias be pollinated by clematis? I have 2 petunias that have split blooms and look like a small clematis flower. They are growing close to a jackamani clematis. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will hybrid Tecoma stans attract hummingbirds from Glendale AZ July 07, 2012 We bought a bells of fire plant; would like to know if hummingbirds like them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Adding Wildflowers to Corpus Christi May 20, 2012 I have a dry sandy yard, full sun in Corpus Christi with lot's of stickers mostly, want to transform to wildflowers. When should I plant, how should I prepare soil, should I dig out stickers? Which w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinator to Arkansas yucca from Arlington TX May 15, 2012 Thank you Barbara for your answer. However, my Arkansas yuccas bloom every year, but do not set seed. I am asking for the name of the moth that pollinates them, or other native plants that serve as ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Restoring the woods in Central Austin. May 08, 2012 I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Spots on bluebonnets from Godley TX April 21, 2012 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants! I'm trying to separate rumor and folktales from fact when it comes to bluebonnets in Texas. I notice that bluebonnet blossoms have a double white spot on the center petal tha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Alternative for Pittosporum limelight March 22, 2012 Is it ok to plant a Pittosporum limelight by pool? Don't want bees! Needs to be 6 feet. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for pollinators & honey bees in PA March 12, 2012 In the database section entitled "Value to Beneficial Insects" on the page for "Tilia americana L" (also known as the Bee Tree, or Linden Tree, American Basswood); the tree is identified as being ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens January 31, 2012 What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants in Denton Co. TX pollinated by bats or hummingbirds December 07, 2011 I am looking for a list of Denton Co. TX native plants that are pollinated by bats? Do we have any? How about hummingbirds? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Butterfly egg kit from Spring Hill FL October 27, 2011 Could you please tell me all native plant(s) I can buy for my Sons Painted Lady Butterfly kit (eggs are going to hatch soon)and I don't know what to buy for the baby caterpillars to eat. I contacted ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrubby options for a bird lover in New Jersey September 07, 2011 Could you please recommend a native shrub to NJ that grows to about 3-4 feet, is very low maintenance, does well in afternoon sun and is also something the birds will like? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Cultivars off native plants attracting pollinators from Fairfax VA March 25, 2011 When trying to create a native garden/habitat- should you avoid using cultivars of the native plant? Nurseries around us keep trying to tell us that using a cultivar of the native plant we actually wa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Artist's project on protecting pollinators in Austin February 26, 2011 I am designing a citywide artist's project to protect and preserve local, natural pollinators (with an emphasis on honeybees). What nectar-rich plants would you recommend for this type of project? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
No berries on dogwoods in GA November 18, 2010 I have 4 native dogwood trees. I have owned the property for 4 years. They have never produced berries. Can you tell me why? are the trees male and female, and could I have all males? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Early, middle and late blooming flowers for pollinators in East Texas July 05, 2010 On our farm in northeast Texas we are participating in a Conservation Program through the NRCS. We have to plant 4 acres for pollinators--early blooming, middle blooming, and late blooming. I need t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flying insects attacking yucca flacida in Wilmington NC June 11, 2010 How do I treat flying insects from eating the flowers on my Yucca Flaccida shrub. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When may I remove seed heads from yuccas? June 07, 2010 Soft tip yuccas dominate my home's landscape. When is the best time to remove the heavy seed heads after flowering? In addition to being difficult to work around, the pods seem to attract infestatio... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
California native plants for a steep slope May 29, 2010 We are looking for California native plants for a steep south facing slope that do not attract bees. Can you please provide a list? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bees knees squeezing May 28, 2010 Barbara, Do the knees of bees help them squeeze if they please their wobbly, bobbly, knobbly balls of pollen? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Non-blooming or fruiting Oregon grape holly in Elmhurst IL May 14, 2010 I have an Oregon grape holly bush that has never bloomed and has never had fruit. I have had the bush for at least 6 years, it is approximately 5 ft tall. Have had no problems, just no flowers/fruit.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Compact possumhaw holly for Plano TX April 19, 2010 What variety of possumhaw holly would be best planted close to a house? I'm looking for a variety 15-25 feet, as compact as possible. Any suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrubs and trees to protect beehives in Godley TX April 06, 2010 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Is there a (relatively) fast growing native small tree or large shrub (NOT cedar) that tolerates Johnson County clay, full sun, sometimes damp and sometimes dry soil with no... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Blossoms but no fruit for gooseberries in Enoch UT January 16, 2010 My gooseberries always get loads of blossoms, but I never get fruit. I think they need more sun, and thus, want to transplant them to a sunnier location. What (and when) is the best way to do this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Duplicate of English holly for Eufaula OK January 03, 2010 I wish to have a shrub that would duplicate the red berries and foliage of English holly. Tolerance of cultivation is also desired. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Why is my yaupon tree not producing berries in Metairie La? November 04, 2009 What is the lifespan of a Yaupon Tree? We live in Louisiana, and our Yaupon would always get the white flowers in the Spring but never the red berries. Why is that? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Failure of tall garden phlox buds to open in St. Louis MO July 30, 2009 Why won't the buds of my tall garden phlox open? Plants are apparently healthy, no powdery mildew or visible insects, foliage looks great and buds are profuse but they don't open. I have two clumps ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Moving wildflowers into a pollinator garden in Webster NY July 27, 2009 I live in the Western New York area and would like to utilize unwanted wildflowers near our roadside and woodland area into a large pollinator garden I am creating. What is a safe way to move an enti... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Do female possumhaws require male to bloom? January 02, 2009 Do female possumhaws require a male nearby to bloom? I've read that about yaupon hollies, but not possumhaws specifically. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Landscaping for slope in Kansas City October 08, 2008 We have a down sloping back yard and patio on the lower area. We need some water absorbing plants near the foundation and some in the front of the house, where water isn't a problem. We are allergic ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Zucchini blooms but no fruit August 26, 2008 My zuchinni has lots of flowers, but they seem to fall and I am getting no fruit.. WHY View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinator plants for Ilex verticillata (winterberry) June 09, 2008 How close do a male and female common winterberry need to be to produce berries. We bought a male and female last year and attracted cedar wax wings. Amazing show. We just bought two more females a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Blue-green bees April 30, 2008 Over a month ago I sent this query to the AAS Garden Editor. What a waste of time since she exhibited no knowledge and no interest. Finally, she told me to ask you about the green bees that came by in... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Failure of hybridized red hollies to grow April 17, 2008 I have 2 red hollies planted in my yard about 20' apart, 3 years now. They won't grow. Do I need to have a male with them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinator for Hymenocallis palmeri August 06, 2007 Okay, Ms. Smarty Plants, let's see if I can stump you. I feel blessed to have seen an alligator lily (Hymenocallis palmeri) in the Everglades, while doing photopoints with my boss. Please tell me w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pollinator for Juniperus virginiana "Grey Owl" April 22, 2007 I would like to buy Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl' as a source of berries for birds. 'Grey Owl' is a female clone, so it obviously must need a male pollinator. What J. virginiana male pollinato... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smarty Plants on pollinators February 20, 2005 I am researching threatened pollinators in Texas and elsewhere - bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. I would like your input on the subject. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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