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
Tuesday - June 27, 2006
From: Granite Shoals, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Identification of Texas bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Very recently on the 6 o'clock news there was a report about The Center joining UT. There was a picture of a large, purple lily-like/trumpet flower with a yellow pistil. I recall my Grandmother calling them Jasmine Lilies. I have not seen them since the late 40's. I would like to get plants or seeds. I have started through your gallery but with 19000 plus and no name I need your help! Thanks for the work you do. best regards.ANSWER:
I did not see that newscast, but I suspect the flower you saw was Texas bluebell or prairie gentian (Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum). They are in full bloom in all their glory right now. You can find nurseries and seed companies that specialize in native plants in your area in our National Suppliers Gallery that carry seeds for Texas bluebells. In a quick search, I found that Native American Seeds in Junction, Texas has Eustoma exaltatum seeds for sale.More Wildflowers Questions
Texas wildflowers for April wedding
March 13, 2007 - A friend of mine is getting married in Texas in April and wanted to decorate the event with flowers native to that state. In my experience wildflowers do not last long out of the ground or in cut for...
view the full question and answer
Poppies on Pflugerville, TX lake
April 26, 2008 - I live on the new Pflugerville Lake. We are trying to get wildflower seed to plant around the lake in the mitigation areas. Will Poppies grow here?
view the full question and answer
More on bluebonnets
March 23, 2005 - When (month and week) do you think the "peak of bluebonnet blooming" will be this year in the Austin, Fredericksbug, and Llano, Texas area?
view the full question and answer
Hardiness of bluebonnet seeds under water and white bluebonnets
April 30, 2007 - I was trying to find out more about the hardiness of bluebonnets. We own a lot on Lake Travis near Spicewood Texas. As you are probably aware, the lake was very low this spring due to a drought that ...
view the full question and answer
Low Groundcover for Washington State
February 03, 2015 - I'm trying to find a perfect fit for my piece of land in the State of Washington. I would say that the area is partly sunny and a somewhat moist area. I'm looking for a species of very small everg...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |