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

Sunday - April 22, 2007
From: Bronxville, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Pollinators
Title: Pollinator for Juniperus virginiana "Grey Owl"
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 pollinator would work? I can't find any references to this. Thanks.ANSWER:
You are correct that if you are going to have juniper berries on your 'Grey Owl', it will have to be pollinated. Juniperus virginiana 'Gray Owl' is thought to be a hybrid between J. virginiana ‘Glauca’ and J. chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’. If it is a hybrid between two different Juniperus species, it could very well be sterile such as a mule (which is a hybrid between a horse and a donkey) and be incapable of reproduction. If not a hybrid, I would think that any J.virginiana pollen would work quite well.
More Pollinators Questions
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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |