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 - May 20, 2009
From: Benicia, CA
Region: California
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Native woodland plants for Benicia, California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am planting in raised beds around redwood trees, Japanese maples and rhododendrons in my backyard. I would like suggestions for native woodland plants to accompany my established plants. The area is quite shady and the soil is rich. Thank youANSWER:
On our Recommended Species page choose Northern California from the map or the pulldown menu for a list of commercially available landscaping plants for the area. Here are a few suggestions from that list that grow well in shade (less than 2 hours of sun per day):
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick)
Aquilegia formosa (western columbine)
Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan)
Solidago altissima (late goldenrod)
Here are a couple of plants that aren't on that list but are native to Solano County and available at Bay Natives, one of our Associate Suppliers in your area:
Adiantum aleuticum (Aleutian maidenhair fern)
Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel's spear) and more information and photos
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Area under live oaks from Austin
October 08, 2012 - We have many live oaks in our mostly shaded half acre. While I have tried to plant mostly native plants, often beneath them, the plants are showered with leathery leaves, acorns and sap, while oak sp...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting Trillium in Quebec.
May 13, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in the Laurentiens of Quebec where they are putting a HWY in my back yard. I have a lot of white trillium that I am wanting to transplant before they start the excava...
view the full question and answer
What to do with 200 yucca seedlings in Sandusky, OH?
August 31, 2013 - I have over two hundred 3 month old yucca seedlings from my last yr. Yucca plants. I soaked the the seeds for 24 hrs. planted them in trays and now they are abt. 2 inch tall. My question is, should I ...
view the full question and answer
Finding a source of Straggler daisy
October 14, 2015 - I've decided on Straggler daisy but am having trouble finding it. It would be perfect for me. Do I have to wait until next Spring for it to show up? Can it be ordered through a nursery or a landscape...
view the full question and answer
Technique of using cut flowers to make paper
October 18, 2006 - Have an inquiry regarding how to locate (or if such a craft/technique exists) someone or some service that is aware of a process to take fresh-cut flowers & dry & press them into paper or onto paper t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |