Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - July 31, 2005

From: Dorchester, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Smarty Plants on Tamarisk
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Where can I buy Tamarisk, and will it survive in Massachusetts? I've seen it in Provincetown, on Cape Cod.

ANSWER:

None of the species of tamarisk, Tamarix spp., is native to North America. Tamarisk was imported to the US as an ornamental plant, but it has escaped from cultivation and become an environmental disaster in many parts of the country by overwhelming native vegetation and depleting precious groundwater. All species, including Tamarix parviflora which can be found in Connecticut and Massachusetts, are introduced and are listed by several states as an invasive noxious weed. Please read the Special Note from the University of Connecticut Plant Database. Perhaps you should consider a native tree as an alternative. The New England native, Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) has similar physical and cultural characteristics to tamarisk and has the advantages of not being invasive and having wonderfully fragrant foliage. You can find lists of nurseries by state or region in the National Suppliers Directory that specialize in native plants and learn what they might have available.
 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Purchase of frostweed in Staten Island NY
January 05, 2010 - My grandson would like to buy a frostweed plant. Can I buy this from you?
view the full question and answer

Planting native yaupons on fence line for privacy
July 26, 2008 - I live in the country and someone bought the place next door and is building a house close to me.(150 yards) I want to plant yaupon trees on my fence line. Can I get seeds somewhere? I have yaupons ...
view the full question and answer

Sources for native plants from Austin TX
December 19, 2012 - Hello. I am currently planning a Texas native plant garden. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find the seeds/bulbs/roots/plants for some of the natives at local nurseries: Indian Ricegrass (Achnatherum ...
view the full question and answer

Purchase source for Jamaica Sawgrass
November 09, 2008 - Any idea where to find this plant? Does the center sell them? Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicense (Crantz) Kükenth. Jamaica swamp sawgrass, Jamaican Saw-grass, Saw-grass Cyperaceae (Sedge Family) ...
view the full question and answer

Cutting costs on purchase of plants in Boston
April 19, 2008 - I spend OVER $600 per season on annuals for my gardens here in the Boston area each year. I wonder if there is any place you are aware that I can buy discounted plants? I grow the typical geraniums, m...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.