Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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 - August 15, 2010

From: Guilderland, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Seeds and Seeding
Title: Seeds for India from Guilderland NY
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have Green Cross “Non Profitable” trust in TamilNadu India. We are looking for free seeds from Government and other NGO foundations. Moto: Global Vowing awareness program and our volunteers help to “Increase Green places”. We plan to move all more places and we need seeds move forward. Can you please help us. thanks in advance.

ANSWER:

We are sorry but we have no program for distributing seeds. While we participate in the Millennium Seed Bank, that involves, for us,  conservation of seed native to Texas.  Because the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which the plants are being grown, we would have no seeds that could be used in your program. We are ourselves a non-profit and have no funds for such a project.

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Controlling non-native Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass)
December 07, 2014 - Three years ago I bought a pennisetum frutescans grass from a reputable online nursery. It gets no supplemental water, but it is taking over my yard. It is almost 7 feet wide now. Can you tell me how ...
view the full question and answer

Application of sprays to non-native Crape Myrtle from Prosper TX
June 29, 2012 - Can applying a systemic insecticide/fungicide combo prevent or limit Crape Myrtle blooms? I have 5 large lavender Crapes that are not blooming or budding yet and this is the first time I have used a ...
view the full question and answer

Scale on non-native Loropetalum in Lincoln, NE
February 26, 2010 - Hi,I have found lots of scale insects on my Loropetalum (esp the young leaves) and ended up spraying some white oil to get rid of them. Unfortunately, I might have overdone it and the young shoots are...
view the full question and answer

Plant for eastern facing side of house in Washington
August 26, 2008 - I was considering putting some Lily of the Nile in front of the eastern facing side of my home. Is this plant a suitable choice for planting here in Eastern Washington?
view the full question and answer

Non-native Gingko biloba in Austin
October 22, 2007 - Does a Ginkgo biloba tree grow easily in the Austin area? Does it take extra care to keep it alive?
view the full question and answer

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