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

Thursday - June 29, 2006
From: Atlanta, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Wild hydrangeas north of Atlanta GA
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
There are wild hydrangeas in my area - just north of Atlanta GA. There is a particular type, though, that I have only seen in the more mountainous counties of GA. The flower cluster is flat, with tiny white flowers, and also with larger also typically 4 white flowers, one at each of the "corners," so to speak, of the disc shaped umbel. The larger flat flowers at corners are pretty much what size you'd see in a hybrid hydrangea, whereas the many flowers that make up the umbel are tiny. Also I am looking for where I might order or go buy the following: sweet William (phlox maculata), phlox sublata (moss phlox); smooth phlox (glaberrima?), downy phlox (pilosa), blue phlox (divaricata). Also fire pink, round lobed hepatica, wild ginger, and purple fringed orchis. Also wild lilies, turks cap, tiger lily, michigan lily (michiganese), and especially wood lily (philadelphicum). I really appreciate it. There used to be someplace called Wayside Gardens in one of the Carolina's -- I don't know whether it still exists.ANSWER:
The following are the four North American Hydrangeas that are native to Georgia. From your description I am not sure which one you are seeing in the mountains.Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia)
Silverleaf hydrangea (H. radiata)
Ashy hydrangea (H. cinerea)
You can search in our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries or seed companies in your state or region that specialize in native plants. Many of those listed have web addresses that show lists of available plants and/or seeds for sale. Wayside Gardens appears to be in business still in Hodges, South Carolina.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for trees from Burnet TX
August 19, 2012 - I am desperately searching the central Texas area for Pistacia Mexicana male and female trees to buy. I would like about four, maybe more. I live in the Killeen-Lampasas area and have been to seve...
view the full question and answer
Will Copper Canyon Daisy be at the Plant Sale from Georgetown TX
March 21, 2011 - Can you find out if Copper Canyon Daisy will be sold at the plant sale? I'm having trouble finding it in any of your databases. The scientific name is Asteraceae Tagetes lemmonii. It's a shrubby ...
view the full question and answer
Looking for a source for Texas persimmon tree (Diospyros texana)
March 23, 2010 - I have looked all over for Texas persimmon trees but am having a difficult time finding any for sale.
Do you know of any nurseries near Austin or Georgetown that sells them?
view the full question and answer
Honeysuckle bush for San Antonio, Tx
June 14, 2009 - I'm looking for a gift for my brother, living in San Antonio. He loves the native honeysuckle that we both remember from our childhoods. I think I'd like to get him a honeysuckle bush rather than ...
view the full question and answer
Deadwood for Degus
February 01, 2013 - I have a very specific and hopefully easy question. I just brought home some degus (small adorable rodents) and they have a severely restricted list of woods they can chew on safely. The safe trees th...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |