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

Thursday - March 10, 2016
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center, Shrubs
Title: Location of Elbow Bush and Gregg's Saddlebush at the Wildflower Center
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
I have twice looked for Forestiera pubescens (Elbow Plant) and Mortonia greggi (Gregg's Saddlebush) in your gardens and have been unable to find. I have looked on the trails as well. Would you be able to direct me to a specific area to look for and photograph these two plants? Thanks for any help you can provide.ANSWER:
There are a number of Forestiera pubescens (Elbow bush) (you can see this plant has a bunch of common names) located in the butterfly garden near the insectory, next to the short grass meadow. They are also fairly common out on the Restoration Research Trail and are most readily identified by the right angle at which twigs branch from the main stem.
There is a Mortonia greggii (Gregg's saddlebush) located next to the seating area across from the formal homeowner's inspiration garden. It is identified as Afinador. Again, several common names.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Flowering shrub for Kihei, Hawaii
August 12, 2015 - I live in Kihei Hawaii, near the beach but across the road from it. I am looking for a hedge that flowers, can be trimmed is dense and grows rather quickly. 3-4ft in height. We have bougainvillia now ...
view the full question and answer
Puppy-proof plants in Denton TX
June 04, 2010 - I recently got a couple of puppies that stay outside in a fenced off area of the backyard. Of course, they love trying to dig under the fence and get out. I placed cement landscaping border stones alo...
view the full question and 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 the full question and answer
Seven foot privacy fence in Tucson
November 25, 2014 - I am looking for a privacy hedge for a home in Tucson, Arizona that will be in full sun. Needs to be at least seven foot tall and low water and maintenance.
Any suggestions.
view the full question and answer
Hanging Baskets for Batson, TX
May 23, 2014 - What plants can I put in hanging baskets for my shady porch?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |