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
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 Herbs/Forbs Questions
Need suggestions for plants for a 45 degree slope in Falls Church, VA.
January 23, 2013 - Have a 45 degree hillside 50 feet wide by 60 feet long on north side of 26 story building. Very little sun with the need for soil retention plants. Would like a native plant or plants to cover area...
view the full question and answer
Mystic Spires salvia in transplant shock
July 04, 2008 - Hello. I live in Taylor, Tx. Just outside Austin, Texas. I recently planted mystic spires. One gallons and will receive the hot afternoon sun. All the research says they can tolerate this location. Th...
view the full question and answer
Cotton plant for yard in Plano
July 27, 2008 - I wish to plant a specimen cotton plant in my yard - will it grow in Plano, Texas, do you have any tips for maintaining them, and will they survive freezing temperatures?
view the full question and answer
Growing conditions for Giant Coneflower from San Antonio
August 09, 2013 - Rudbeckia maxima is considered to be a perennial plant for the sun but I have had a difficult time maintaining it in a pot in full sun before attempting to plant. Do you feel that it will survive and...
view the full question and answer
How to keep plants alive in a pot beside a patio waterfall.
May 13, 2013 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have a waterfall on my patio and I can't keep my plants alive in the flower pot next to waterfall. Is that beacuse of algae produced by waterfall? If so, can you please recomme...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |