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?

Share

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

Saturday - August 21, 2010

From: La Quinta, CA
Region: California
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Difficulty identifying/finding a plant
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have been advised that the Calandria (sic) is a good plant to cover a cement wall surrounding our home in La Quinta, CA. I cannot find such a plant on line. Can you assist? I want to entirely cover a cement wall so it looks green. Thanks so much

ANSWER:

Perhaps the name of the plant is Calliandra?   There are two species native to California—Calliandra californica (tabardillo) and Calliandra eriophylla (fairyduster).  The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants, Inc. in Sun Valley, CA lists both C. californica and C. eriophyllaLas Pilitas Nursery with locations in both Escondido and Santa Margarita, CA, lists C. eriophylla.  You can check for other nurseries specializing in native plants in your area that might have it by searching in our National Suppliers Directory under California.

Here are photos from our Image Gallery:


Calliandra californica

Calliandra californica

Calliandra eriophylla

Calliandra eriophylla

 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Source for Anacacho Orchid Seeds
November 22, 2010 - Is there any place in TX that I can ask to send me Anacacho Orchid seeds that I can germinate?
view the full question and answer

Where can I find Ilex verticillata in Maryland?
February 24, 2009 - Do you have any suggestions where I might purchase a winterberry holly, ilex verticillata (with bright orange berries in the winter)? They are on our Maryland State highway on Route 3 (301) heading t...
view the full question and answer

Looking for a source for native Texas plums
October 03, 2010 - Please provide a source for native Texas plums--I want to plant some in the Texas Hill Country.
view the full question and answer

Source for native plants for Austin, TX
March 20, 2004 - Where can I purchase native plants for my area?
view the full question and answer

Pinus taeda (Loblolly pines) for a property in Van Zandt County, Texas
March 17, 2015 - I want to initiate a stand of loblolly pine trees on our property in Van Zandt County in NE Texas. Assuming the ph factor is within range, how do I obtain seedings for this endeavor? Any other advic...
view the full question and answer

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