Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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
2 ratings

Friday - March 26, 2010

From: Kenosha, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: How to find out which native plants grow in your particular area
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I'm doing an ecology project (prairie restoration) PLEASE RESPOND A.S.A.P MY PAPER IS DUE SOON!!!! Any native plants of Kenosha, WI?

ANSWER:

Sorry, we don't do homework!

However, we can tell you how find out these things on your own.  Go to the USDA Plants Database and choose "Advanced Search".  On that page in "Part A: PLANTS Core Data" you can pick out your county and state under "1. Distribution."  You have other choices under "2. Taxonomy" that you can make.  Then under "3.  Ecology" you choose "L48" under "Native Status".  You don't need to make any choices in Part B. This should give you a list of native plants growing in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.  They won't be exclusive to Kenosha County, but this is probably the best you can do unless your state has done a survey and has a list of plants endemic to various Wisconsin counties. You'll have to check with state authorities to find that out.  Note:  You have to check 'Display' next to a topic in your search to see any data that is of interest to you. 

 

 
 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
view the full question and answer

Finding a native plant garden designer from Austin
April 10, 2011 - I was at the center today and told to contact you on the website for suggestions on who to call to hire a garden designer to come to my house,lay out a garden and select plants, etc.
view the full question and answer

Propagation of Aesculus parvifolia from Rochester MI
February 11, 2011 - Aesculus parvifolia. I purchased one plant in spring 2010---it's about 3 ft tall. How might I propagate from this one plant, or should I buy another?
view the full question and answer

Source for wintergreen to make tea in Waynesboro GA
April 26, 2010 - I want to know where to buy a wintergreen tree to make tea from. Thanks. I live in Waynesboro,GA.
view the full question and answer

Source for Oregon boxwood from Salt Lake City, UT
July 24, 2013 - I am seeking plugs / cuttings for paxistima myrsinites (mountain lover) in a large quantity and cannot seem to source them. If you have any sources I could contact; I need 2225 of them please forward...
view the full question and answer

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