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

Tuesday - March 04, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Rare or Endangered Plants
Title: Possibility of obtaining seed of Styrax platanifolius
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Flo Oxley
QUESTION:
Where can I obtain seeds for the Styrax platanifolius written about in your Spring 2008 issue of Wildflower? I have raised from seed quite a few native trees and would like to try raising Styrax.ANSWER:
Styrax platanifolius (sycamoreleaf snowbell) is a Federally listed endangered plant, with only a few known populations, mostly on private land and, at this time, seeds are not available. Since the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is focused on the care and preservation of native plants, we appreciate your effort to raise one that is endangered. At some point in the future, private gardens like yours may be the last refuge of those plants now being threatened by grazing, development and mismanagement. This Texas Parks and Wildlife website has excellent information on the present and future prospects for this lovely native tree.
More Rare or Endangered Plants Questions
Information on what Texas wildflowers are disappearing
August 02, 2011 - I was shocked to find that Texas Bluebells were vanishing. What other Texas
wildflowers are vanishing? There is an endangered species list but I want
to help before my wildflower neighbors before t...
view the full question and answer
Propogating snowbells from Elmendorf TX
June 06, 2012 - Is it possible to propagate Styrax platanifolius and Halesia diptera from cuttings? If yes, what is the process?
view the full question and answer
Research on decline of Quercus hinckleyi
February 20, 2007 - I am doing a research project on the Hinckley's Oak (Quercus hinckleyi) and am in need of statistical data regarding the decline of this plant. I have been unable to find any data in this area. Any s...
view the full question and answer
Texas madrone trimmings for a wedding
July 26, 2011 - Looking for Texas madrone tree trimmings needed for a special wedding.
view the full question and answer
Growing Conditions for Yucca cernua
October 22, 2011 - Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua:
I bought many lovely plants at the Wildflower Center sale on Friday, among them, a Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua. 24 of the 25 plants I bought are already in the grou...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |