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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - February 02, 2011
From: Jarrell, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Transplants, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Best Time for Dividing and Transplanting Native Bunch Grasses in Jarrell, Texas
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, What time of the year is the best for dividing and transplanting native bunch grasses like Gulf muhly, and Miscanthus?ANSWER:
No time like the present. February or early March is an ideal time to divide and transplant Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf muhly) in central Texas. Best to get it done before the spring growth starts. It prefers moist sandy soils and full sun.
As for Miscanthus, Mr. Smarty Plants assumes you mean Miscanthus sinensus (Chinese silvergrass) which, according to the USDA is native to the United States (in spite of its common name), but not to Texas. Furthermore, it is listed as an invasive plant in Texas by Texasinvasives.org. Sorry, Mr. Smarty Plants isn't going to help you with that one.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Replacing hawthorn bush with muhly grass from Plano TX
April 10, 2014 - I am thinking of replacing a hawthorn bush with a muhly grass plant or two in an edged area with river rock cover in Plano, texas. It is the black soil and not a sandy loam. We have a sprinkler syst...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants for bioswales in Philadelphia, PA
August 24, 2015 - Hello,
Are there a handful of species you would recommend for inclusion in bioswales throughout the US? I realize plants need to be selected based on climate, but I'm wondering if there are two or...
view the full question and answer
How many Bamboo species are native to North Carolina? one
March 27, 2014 - I would like to know how many bamboo plants are native to North Carolina?
view the full question and answer
Erosion Control with perennials for a shady Dallas bank
July 25, 2013 - Thank you for your help with turf or perennials on a shaded bank, 4000 sq ft, for the Dallas area that has good roots, grows in semi shade to shade, is on a steep bank so cannot mow, and flowers the l...
view the full question and answer
How to eliminate Sawgrass from a small lake in Lindale, TX?
February 23, 2015 - We live on a small acre lake (about 65 acres) and the majority of the lake is surrounded by what the locals are calling saw grass. From the description on the website, I believe they are correct. The...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |