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.
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.

rate this answer

Sunday - January 23, 2011
From: Magnolia, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Finding Buffalograss Sod in the Houston Area
Answered by: Stephen Scace
QUESTION:
Do you have a source for Buffalo Grass plugs or sod in the Magnolia/ Houston area?ANSWER:
Our National Suppliers Directory is a searchable database of sources for native plants, seeds and related services. Entering "Magnolia, Texas" as a search term will generate an up-to-date list of nearby sources.
Some suppliers are associates of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center that offer discounts to our members. A big lawn might provide a handsome return on your membership investment from joining up.
That said, Mr. Smarty Plants would be remiss if he failed to mention that Montgomery County lies a little outside the native range of Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss). Further, the pineywoods and sandy soils may not provide ideal conditions for Buffalograss, which needs full sun and does not do well in sand.
Nevertheless, Buffalograss does occur naturally nearby, and if your site is sunny and the soil is loamy or clayey, it may do very well. Given the your rainy climate, it will probably require no irrigation once established.
Our How-To Article on Native Lawns:Buffalograss covers this topic in much greater detail. Mr. Smarty Plants recommends it unreservedly.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Want to purchase mustang grape (Vitis mustangensis)
September 21, 2010 - Do you know of a nursery where I can purchase mustang grapes? I have searched the web to no avail.
view the full question and answer
Source for safe glass mulch in Austin, TX.
August 13, 2010 - Do you know where one can buy locally in Austin the recycled glass mulch that is sold in clean condition, color separated?
view the full question and answer
Source for native plants in Margaretville NY
April 19, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants:
Thank you so much for your recommendations for the Margaretville, NY!!! I am thrilled with the colors of everything you recommended, especially the beautiful grasses and the shru...
view the full question and answer
Looking for seed for Clematis drummondii in Granbury, TX.
November 29, 2010 - I am trying to landscape with native Texas plants. I want a Clematis drummondii and have no idea where to get one. I read it grows readily from seeds, but I cannot locate any. Can you help. Also, ...
view the full question and answer
Mediun-sized tree for southern California, possibly Monterey cypress
September 07, 2009 - Hello,
I live in Glendora CA 91741, I am looking for a CA native non -deciduous medium size tree to provide shade in the front yard. I was thinking of monterey cypress; any suggestions and place to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |