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

Monday - July 20, 2009
From: Monroe, LA
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: Is purple coneflower native to Colorado?
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have seen the purple cone flower growing wild in Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. Is it a native to that state or has it been brought in?ANSWER:
According to our Native Plant Database, Echinacea purpurea (eastern purple coneflower) is not native to Colorado. It has probably escaped from cultivation, from someone's garden nearby, or possibly brought in by birds from as far away as Texas, where it is native. That is not nearly so worrisome as some exotic tropical plant being brought in and planted, because it "is so pretty." Of course, a tropical plant probably wouldn't survive very long in that particular location.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Information about the bluebonnet
October 03, 2008 - What other plants live near a bluebonnet?
What problems does the plant face, such as people, weather, and insects?
view the full question and answer
Life cycle of Big Bend bluebonnet from Rosanky TX
April 29, 2010 - I have searched and searched and need to find the life cycle of a Big Bend Bluebonnet for a school project, but have been unable to find it. If there is a website that would have this information, ple...
view the full question and answer
Identification of Daucus pusillus, native alternative to Daucus carota
June 15, 2007 - What happened to "Queen Anne's Lace"? Growing up in Texas, I recall seeing "Queen Anne's Lace" growing wild. In my mind, the blooms were rather large. The plants I see growing profusely along th...
view the full question and answer
Does the Dyschoriste oblongifolia attract snakes ?
May 19, 2010 - Does the Dyschoriste oblongifolia (oblongleaf snakeherb)attract snakes?
view the full question and answer
Landscaping recommendations for site in Dubuque, IA
March 27, 2010 - I need a seed recommendation. Here are the variables:
Location: Dubuque, IA (east Central Iowa)
Soil type: Sandy to sandy and gravelly. Part is a riverbank facing east. Steep bank then flat to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |