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

Friday - March 20, 2009
From: Henderson, NV
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Replacing grass with xeric plants in Nevada
Answered by: Nina Hawkins
QUESTION:
I am looking to xeriscape my front yard - remove all grass! I am thinking 3-4 larger plants: bird of paradise (mesquite??), aloe, and ..?? Also, possibly a Chilean mesquite. Do you have suggestions on plants that would be appropriate/water conserving? I've seen pictures that I like, but it's tough to find plants and their Latin names on the internet, as well as cost estimates for consumers of these plants.ANSWER:
Congratulations on removing your lawn! You are sure to save a lot of water - a very precious resource in your desert climate. Below is a list of trees and shrubs that are native to Clark County, Nevada and should therefore be very well adapted to your conditions. You'll notice that one of them is Honey Mesquite, which is mistakenly referred to by some as Chilean Mesquite, but is native to the United States. Since Aloe is native to Africa and not to North America, Mr. Smarty Plants cannot recommend it. Other resources you may find useful are the Recommended Species page for Nevada and our Suppliers page where you can find information about purveyors of native plants near you. Good luck with your front yard transformation!
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Landscapers in Austin area
January 02, 2012 - Can you recommend 2-3 Landscapers in the Austin area that I could get to landscape my yard? or where can I get this information?
view the full question and answer
Native landscaping in Austin
August 24, 2009 - I am planning to convert a pretty large portion (app. 500 sq feet) of my front yard from St. Augustine to an area with native and well-adapted plants. I have solarized the area to kill off grass and ...
view the full question and answer
Need resource to learn about plants to grow in Panama City, FL.
February 28, 2011 - Please provide me with a resource to go to and learn what I can plant and will thrive in Panama City Beach area (sand). I enjoy color and flowering plants as well as a variety of greenery. I am movin...
view the full question and answer
Source for Dichondra from Hillsboro TX
November 26, 2012 - Where can I get dichondra and info about it?
view the full question and answer
How can I propagate wax myrtle by soft-wood or semi-hardwood cuttings?
February 24, 2009 - Mr. Smartypants,
I would like to propagate wax myrtle from mature plants I have growing in my yard here in Houston. I've read on the wildflower website to use "softwood" or "semi-hardwood" c...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |