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
Friday - June 24, 2011
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native textile bamboo for Austin?
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I was looking for a non-invasive bamboo to plant as a privacy screen in central Austin. Would bambusa textilis (weavers bamboo) be an ok solution since it is a clumping bamboo instead of running?ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the areas in which those plants grow natively. So, Bambusa textilis, Textile bamboo, falls out of our area of expertise, as it is native to China. We could find very little solid information on this plant, except that it is considered rare, so we don't know how easily obtainable it would be. What we did find on the plant were advertisements, all trumpeting how beautiful it was, but none mentioning whether or not it could become invasive. Last of all, it is native to USDA Hardiness Zones 9a to 11; Austin is Zone 8b.
More Non-Natives Questions
Can non-native coleus grow in mulch from San Antonio
May 12, 2013 - Can Coleus plants grow in Mulch only?
view the full question and answer
How much water does St. Augustine require in Junction, TX?
February 12, 2012 - Can you point me towards a concrete study on how much water St Augustine requires to survive? Much appreciated - Native American Seed
view the full question and answer
Care of Dracaena fragrans, cultivar
July 09, 2007 - I just recently purchased a tree which I was told was called a Dracaena or also corn plant. I can not seem to find a site that will inform me on how to take care of this tree. If you can please let ...
view the full question and answer
Will roots of non-native Bottlebrush damage foundation in Weslaco TX
April 02, 2011 - I have a bottle Brush tree planted 2 feet from a brick wall. The condo board told me to remove it for fear that it may crack the foundation of the wall. I don't want to remove it. I believe they are ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants of Rome
February 22, 2009 - I am researching the native plants of Rome but I can't get anything get anything else besides olives. Can you help me to find some more?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |