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
Wednesday - April 15, 2015
From: Glen Rose, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Native Wildflowers and Grasses for Texas Acreage
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I recently purchased about 36 acres in Somervell County, Texas where cedar had been bulldozed and burned (many large spots). What would be the best native flowers or grasses to replant in that area? Land is recreational and not for grazing or farming. We would need something drought resistant.ANSWER:
The best place to start your research is on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database. This will give you a large group of plants to start your list. Put in the following search criteria: State = Texas, habit = grass & grass-like, duration = perennial, light requirement = full sun, soil moisture = dry. This search will reveal over 60 native plants. Next do the same search using habit = herb. Now there are an additional 197 native plants to consider.
To narrow down the large list to native plants that grow well in your region, contact the Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. They hold regular meetings the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Somervell County Citizens Center, 209 SW Barnard in Glen Rose.
Another option is to contact the Somervell County Master Gardeners and ask to be connected with a member that grows native plants. Zack Davis is the Extension Agent for Somvervell County. · Zach Davis, CEA Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Service 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose, TX 76043 email, [email protected]
Phone: 254-897-2809
From the Image Gallery
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014 - https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827
This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
view the full question and answer
Plants for erosion control in Pittsburgh, PA
August 22, 2009 - I have a terraced high side lot(front of house). I currently have Yuccas growing, but they are too invasive. Can you suggest plants, shrubs, or ground covers that are not as invasive and will still ...
view the full question and answer
Herbicide use in bluebonnet field in Blanco, TX
April 10, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have the best of both worlds and the worst of both worlds. I’ve been throwing bluebonnet seeds for 6 years on our property near Blanco, and when it rains, as it has this year...
view the full question and answer
Nimblewill grass for a shady area in Dallas
April 04, 2013 - i have a very shady backyard and reading some of your post I think Muhlenbergia schreberi (nimblewill) will survive.
Two questions:
Is it drought resistant?
Where can I buy the seeds?
view the full question and answer
Will Bermuda grass survive a drought-induced dormancy?
August 12, 2015 - If I stop watering a Bermuda grass lawn and let it go dormant, will it green up again when it rains again?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |