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
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
Hanging plants for Austin, TX
May 18, 2014 - I'm looking for a hanging potted flower suggestion for Austin. Most locations are shaded under a large tree, but some locations may have several hours of afternoon sun. I'd love to see some hummin...
view the full question and answer
Meadow garden for Colorado Springs CO
June 03, 2012 - We recently purchased a restored home on a mesa just above the downtown area of Colorado Springs on the front range. The previous owners seeded the front lawn with blue gramma and told me that all I ...
view the full question and answer
Autumn flowering Texas wildflowers
May 07, 2008 - Where might I get a list of autumn flowering Texas wildflowers?
view the full question and answer
Planting wildflowers from Wichita Falls, TX
August 24, 2013 - Hi,
Thanks so much for the answers you give! You've been very helpful to me in the past. I have two quick questions:
1) I have been harvesting seeds from my wildflowers. I wonder when the best time...
view the full question and answer
Drought resistant flowering plants for Spring, TX
January 25, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants. I live in Spring Tx. and wanted to plant a garden in my front yard. I'm looking for flowering plants that are colorful, easy to manage, and drought resistant but so far can't fi...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |