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

Friday - July 17, 2009
From: Hemphill, , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: When to plant bermudagrass in East Texas
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
When to plant Bermuda grass in East TX, Center, Nacodoches, Lufkin and Center area?ANSWER:
Is "never" a long enough answer? Bermudagrass is a non-native to North America and certainly to Texas. It has become one of the worst, most invasive weeds in the South. Because it spreads both by stolons (underground rhizomes) and runners (above ground stems) it is very difficult to get rid of, and a lot easier to just never plant it. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the care and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plant is being grown. Please read our How-To Article on Native Lawns to help steer you in another direction.
More Non-Natives Questions
Will cattle eat non-native Star Jasmine from Mt. Pleasant TX
July 04, 2010 - Will cattle eat Star Jasmine if planted on driveway entrance from pasture?
view the full question and answer
Removing a non-native windmill palm from Austin
February 27, 2013 - I have a fairly good size windmill palm (about 15ft high) that is planted too close to the house. I also don't like having to constantly remove its fronds as they block a walkway. Is there a good wa...
view the full question and answer
Distinguishing American from Chinese beautyberry from Huntsville AL
August 03, 2012 - How can I tell American beautyberry from Chinese beautyberry when trying to purchase strictly native plants?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native photinia in Austin
October 07, 2013 - Hi, I live in Cedar Park, TX (Austin Suburb)and have planted a number of Photinia shrubs in various areas of my property. All about 10 months old.
The leaves are curling along their length on many...
view the full question and answer
a source for fruitless olive (non-native) trees
June 29, 2012 - I was given a "mexican olive" several years ago which is doing very well.
This one is non-fruiting and I would like to have another that is non-fruiting but cannot find one. Cordia boissieri see...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |