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.

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Friday - March 05, 2010

From: Kissimmee, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Need source of Texas Madrone seeds or seedlings in Kissimmee FL.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Where can I can purchase seeds or seedlings for a Texas Madrone Tree? I appreciate your help. Thank you,

ANSWER:

Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone) is a Texas native and Mr. Smarty Plants thinks that it might not be happy in Florida. Reading the information on its Native Plant Database page and the Distribution Map on the USDA Plant Profile page may lead you to the same conclusion.

We have had inquiries recently about Madrone seeds and seedlings, so I am going to refer you to two previously answered questions that have good information: question #1; and question #2 (the problems with the Natives of Texas site seem to have been solved).

Because germination is more successful with seeds prepared from freshly harvested berries, you are more likely to find seedlings than seeds.

This link provides descriptions of attempts to propagate Madrone trees.