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

Thursday - July 14, 2005
From: Wilmington, DE
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Host plants to monarch butterflies in Starr County, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I plant native larval and nectar plants that support the life cycle of the monarch butterfly here in the east; but, where can I find a list of native plants for my friends in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province - Rio Grande,TX - who would also like to plant natives for monarchs?ANSWER:
Plants in the Family Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family) are host plants for the monarch butterfly. Here is a list of members of that family that are native to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. I have noted whether they have been identified in Starr County (where the city of Rio Grande is) or in an adjacent or nearby county.1. Hierbas de Zizotes (Asclepias oenotheroides). Starr County.
2. Slim milkweed (A. linearis). Adjacent county.
3. Emory's milkweed (A. emoryi). No photograph available. Starr County.
4. Bloodflower or Wild ipecacuanha (A. curassavica) and photograph. Adjacent county.
5. Prostrate milkweed (A. prostrata). No photograph available. Starr County.
6. Bearded swallow-wort (Cynanchum barbigerum). Starr County.
7. Talayote (C. racemosum). Starr County.
8. MacCart's swallow-wort (C. maccartii). No photograph available. Starr County.
9. Gulf coast swallow-wort (C. angustifolium) and photograph. Nearby county.
10. Climbing milkweed vine (Funastrum cynanchoides = Sarcostemma cynanchoides) and photograph. Adjacent county.
11. White twinevine. (Funastrum clausum = Sarcostemma clausum). Adjacent county.
12. Pearl milkweed (Matelea reticulata). Nearby county.
32. Smallflower milkvine (M. parviflora). No photograph available. Adjacent county.
14. Falfurrias milkvine (M. radiata) No photograph available. Starr County.
15. Shortcrown milkvine M. brevicoronata. No photo available. Starr County.
For a wealth of information about monarchs in Texas visit Texas Monarch Watch sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Plants for Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies in Michigan
April 19, 2009 - I am wanting to raise Painted Lady butterflies and release them into my garden. I know that they like to eat Mallow plants, but I was wondering what kind of Mallow plant would be best for my garden?
view the full question and answer
Plants to prevent erosion in IL
August 02, 2012 - We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye...
view the full question and answer
hummingbird attractants
May 03, 2012 - I live in Baytown, Texas and am looking for a variety of plants that attract Hummingbirds, but are also pet friendly. I have two dogs, so this is a major concern. I am putting the plants in my backyar...
view the full question and answer
Evergreens for a deer corridor in MI
April 16, 2012 - I am growing three rows of evergreens for a wildlife, deer travel corridor, and am looking for which trees grow well together and are shade tolerant of each other when planted at the same time, or at ...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for bees in Missouri
July 13, 2013 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I just became a beekeeper and would like to plant wildflowers that are best for bees. The area to plant is partially shaded with clay soil. Do you have any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |