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.
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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.
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Tuesday - September 22, 2015
From: San Diego, CA
Region: California
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Mexican Feathergrass not Blooming in San Diego
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
Hello, I planted seven Mexican Feathergrass plant about four months ago and only one of them has got the "feathers" at the tip of its grasses. The others are growing nice and tall as well, but not feathering. Do I just need to be more patient or did I get some duds? Thanks!ANSWER:
I suspect the "feathers" you refer to are the seeds or blooms of Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass).
According to the USDA plant profile, this plant's native range in the U. S. is in west Texas, southeast New Mexico and just east of San Francisco bay in California. It's habitat is commonly in the desert mountains.
Since most desert plants are typically slow growing, the thing Mr. Smarty Plants finds surprising is not that six of your plants are not blooming, but that one is blooming only four months after being planted. Congratulations on your green thumb.
As for the others, be patient.
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