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
Monday - March 30, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Are Texas mallows the source of marshmallows?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Did marshmallows that we eat originate from our native Texas mallow plants?ANSWER:
No, but you're on the right track! The origin of marshmallows as we know them today is not known with certainty, but the source is believed to be Althaea officinalis, Marsh mallow or Common marsh-mallow, a native of Africa and Europe. The pith of this plant, mixed with sugar and cooked, was used in early marshmallow recipes.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for photo of Helianthus nuttallii
January 10, 2006 - I need a photo of Helianthus nuttallii. Can you help me?
view the full question and answer
Plants for a steep lot in Tennessee
August 07, 2008 - I have built a home on a very steep lot (approx 1 1/2 acres)in Northern Central Tenn in Jackson County. The lot is too steep to mow and some of it is too steep to stand on comfortably. My question is...
view the full question and answer
Sources for Bouteloua dactyloides in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area
April 06, 2007 - We live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Over the last few years our lawn has withered and now we are almost grassless. After researching we are considering planting Buffalo grass. However, after spend...
view the full question and answer
Need source for seeds or plants of Pinus remota in Johnson City, TX..
October 18, 2011 - I cannot seem to find a source for Pinus remota or papershell pinyon pine. Who Grows this? I understand it is rare and would love to try it here in Johnson City. Thanks
view the full question and answer
Inoculant for bluebonnets
October 08, 2007 - Where can I find inoculant for my bluebonnets? I have searched high and low. Native American Seeds does not carry it. I can buy it for soybeans in a huge quantity, but am not sure that this is the ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |