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 - March 23, 2005
From: pittsburgh, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Planting for parrots
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 2 parrots, a sun conure and a nanday conure, and I would like to find some plants to put in their aviary room that are safe for parrots. Can you help me with this question?ANSWER:
Since we aren't experts on bird physiology and behavior, I think you would be wise to contact bird groups whose members would have experience with plants that might be harmful to your parrots. There seem to be a number of Pennsylvania cage bird clubs. There are also lists of web sites devoted to parrots of the US, Canada and Europe. You might find information about plants that are harmful to parrots through one of the Chat Forums.After you have determined what plants should be avoided in the aviary, you can decide on the types of native plants you would like to put there. On the Regional Factpacks page of the Wildflower web site you can download a PDF file of "Recommended Native Plant Species Lists" for the Mid-Atlantic states. The file is arranged by type of plants (Cacti, Ferns, Grasses, Shrubs, Trees, Vines, Herbaceous/ Wildflowers) and gives you the botanical names, the common names, the native range (by state) and comments about plant size, bloom color and period, habitat and special features. You can find more information about any plant you choose from the list by searching the Native Plants Database. By selecting "Pennsylvania" in the "Nurseries" database in the National Suppliers Directory you can find native plant nurseries in your area to contact to determine the availability and cost of your chosen plants.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Species of hackberry best for wildlife from Georgetown, TX
February 21, 2014 - Which species of Hackberry tree is the best for wildlife in Georgetown, TX (just north of Austin)? Your Plant Database says Celtis occidentals is "among the BEST food and shelter plants for wildlife,...
view the full question and answer
Wildlife Attracting Plants for a Shady Patio
July 03, 2014 - We have a concrete patio that receives 2-3 hours of sunlight a day, so the only plants we will be able to grow will be in container. We are looking for plants that do well in shade, and containers and...
view the full question and answer
Wildlife management tax exemption
May 15, 2007 - I live on 10 acres of prairie land near Austin. I want to learn about drying and pressing and gluing and preserving wildflowers as art in pictures and bookmarks and cards. My attempts have failed an...
view the full question and answer
Plant for deep shade in Pennsylvania
April 09, 2013 - Hi! I am landscaping our house and trying to use only plants that provide seasonal benefit to bees, butterflies, birds etc. not the deer though. My question is that I have a fairly steep slope of abou...
view the full question and answer
Wildlife benefit of western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis)
October 16, 2007 - A neighbor and I are planting a nearby waste area. I'd like to plant things that will help any wildlife that's managed to survive, probably birds. I may be able to get Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |