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
Sunday - May 10, 2009
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Plants for Painted Lady
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
Where can I buy plants for the painted lady butterfly larvae in Houston?ANSWER:
According to Butterflies and Moths of North America, more than 100 host plants have been noted for the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly. Caterpillar favorites include thistles (Asteraceae), hollyhock and mallow (Malvaceae), and various legumes (Fabaceae). The adult Painted Lady prefers nectar from composites 3-6 feet high, especially thistles; also aster, cosmos, blazing star, ironweed, and joe-pye weed. Flowers from other families that are visited include red clover, buttonbush, privet, and milkweeds.
Any good native wildflower seed mix such as the Butterfly Retreat Mix available at Native American Seed should do the trick.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for Native and Adapted Landscape Plants: an Earthwise Guide for Central Texas
March 18, 2010 - Do you know where I could get a copy of the publication, "Native and Adapted Landscape Plants: An Earthwise Guide for Central Texas"? I believe this was a joint effort between the City of Austin an...
view the full question and answer
Where to find Yarrow for sale in the area of Ft. Worth TX?
May 05, 2011 - I'm very fond of the native plant called "Yarrow." Where might I find this in the Fort Worth area, and what are the tips for growing it. Seems like I saw it in one of the gardens at the LBJ Wildf...
view the full question and answer
Preserving endangered plants in Massachusetts
April 09, 2006 - I've recently visited the national registry of threatened or endangered plants for my Massachusetts home, with a hope of :
1. Identifying rare, threatened or endangered species in my state.
2. fi...
view the full question and answer
Locating supply for Clematis drummondii in Arizona
April 19, 2006 - I am trying to locate Clematis drummondii for my desert garden in Scottsdale, Arizona. Any help would be appreciated.
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on Tamarisk
July 31, 2005 - Where can I buy Tamarisk, and will it survive in Massachusetts? I've seen it in Provincetown, on Cape Cod.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |