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

Tuesday - November 10, 2009
From: McAllen, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Latin name for botany mist in McAllen TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is the latin name or formal name of botany mist which is a Queen butterfly nectar source in the Rio Grande Valley?ANSWER:
We believe you might be referring to Conoclinium betonicifolium (betonyleaf thoroughwort), which also has the common name of Betony-leaf mistflower. This USDA Plant Profile shows that it does indeed grow in the Rio Grande Valley and along the Texas Gulf Coast. Here are the growing conditions from our Native Plant Database for this plant:
"Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium
texas comments: Betony-leaf mistflower is a somewhat woody, weak, decumbent plant rooting in sand or sandy clay and found throughout the Texas coast. All the flowers are disk-type with bluish petals. Like the other blue mistflowers, this one attracts a host of butterfly species. It thrives and will flower most abundantly in full sun, but will still produce a show in part shade."
Our database does not mention the Queen butterfly species itself, but if that butterfly inhabits your area, you can be pretty sure it has found the mistflowers. They bloom blue from March to August. Since we do not have a picture of this plant in bloom in our Native Plant Image Gallery, we are going to include some pictures of other closely related members of the Conoclinium genus.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Wildlife garden for Austin
May 19, 2013 - I am trying to make my backyard more wildlife friendly. I have pecan trees for the canopy and some understory shrub/trees like rough leaf dogwood and redbud. I am having a really hard time finding sui...
view the full question and answer
Host plants for American Painted Lady larvae in Ohio
June 25, 2009 - Need to know what plants to plant as host plants for American Painted lady butterflies have larve coming in mail in few days , live in Vermilion Ohio on the Lake Erie. Thank You for your knowledge Pa...
view the full question and answer
Native nectar plants for hummingbirds in Central Texas
April 24, 2008 - Ref: Cen.Tx. Hummingbird plants
I am seeking a list of appropriate plants with lots of nectar to attract hummingbirds in Central Texas. I live in Hays County between Kyle & Wimberley in a mostly ...
view the full question and answer
Birds attracted to wax myrtles in Austin
January 12, 2010 - Hello!
We are considering planting Wax Myrtles in our relatively small SW Austin backyard. I'm excited about its ability to create quick privacy, but I was wondering specifically, what types of bird...
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. |