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.

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Tuesday - September 05, 2006

From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Shrubs
Title: Identification of Tacoma stans or Yellow Bells
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

We have seen a plant along the freeway here in Round Rock...beautiful greens leaves and the most amazing yellow flowers. Someone told us it was an esperanza plant and drought tolerate; however, I can't find that on your database. Am I spelling it wrong? Sure would love to plant some of these shrubs in our yard. Thank you in advance.

ANSWER:

I believe you are seeing Tecoma stans, commonly called Yellow bells, Trumpetflower or sometimes, Esperanza. You should be able to find them for sale in local nurseries that carry native plants. You can look for nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants by searching in our National Suppliers Directory.

From the Image Gallery

Yellow bells
Tecoma stans