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
1 rating

Monday - January 25, 2010

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Does the Wildflower Center sell Endangered Plant Species?
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Do you guy's sell endangered plants in Austin? Such as the Basin Bellflower, or the Texabama Croton?

ANSWER:

No.  It is illegal to commerce in any plant species listed as Threatened or Endangered by the State of Texas or by the Federal government.  The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, as you would expect, carefully follows the law regarding Threatened and Endangered species.

However, neither Campanula reverchonii (basin bellflower) nor Croton alabamensis var. texensis (Texabama croton) - both rare, endemic species - are included on the Texas nor the US lists of Endangered and Threatened plants.  Nevertheless, we currently sell neither of these two species at our plant sales.

 

More Wildflower Center Questions

Source for Signs at the Wildflower Center
January 24, 2011 - Hello. Where can we buy the black, metallic plant identification tags used at the Wildflower Center? Thanks in advance.
view the full question and answer

Native plant landscaping
March 14, 2004 - How does native plant landscaping differ from xeriscaping?
view the full question and answer

Wildflower blooming in Austin in mid-March from Laceys Spring AL
February 27, 2013 - Hi I will be at and around the center the weekend of March 9 & 10 to exhibit in the Art and Artisan's Festival and plan to stay a few extra days to "wildflower" either before or after. What is you...
view the full question and answer

Official definition of native plants
March 06, 2008 - Does the Wildflower center have an official definition of "native" plants?
view the full question and answer

Potting soil used in Wildflower Center nursery
October 23, 2008 - I recently purchased several beautiful little plants at your Fall plant sale and notice how very happy and healthy they all are! Please tell me if you mix your own potting soil and what your potting ...
view the full question and answer

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