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 - August 24, 2012
From: Murphy, NC
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources, Groundcovers, Wildflowers
Title: Wildflowers for Murphy NC Clay
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I live on a ridge in Murphy NC. The property has trees so most of the land is in partial shade. The soil is good 'ole mountain red clay. I have some steep bankings in front of the house that I would like to grow wildflowers. Any advice as to what would work in clay soil and where would I obtain the plants?ANSWER:
Sure, I found a couple answers that come pretty close to this that Mr Smarty Plants has already addressed. This one is really close as it concerns a shaded bank near Charlotte.
I also like to scan native plants that might add for this specific situation in addition to those suggested previously. Here is a link to the North Carolina Collection. This can be searched for specific attributes such as partial shade and height. After that, I read the records to see whether it was speccifically mentioned that they do well in clay. You didn't mention whether the banks are relatively wet or dry soil. I noticed only a few that mention dry clay as a good soil!
Here is a selection of wildflowers that specifically mention that they do well in clay and should help anchor the slope while also adding some seasonal color:
Dry: Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf coreopsis), Monarda citriodora (Lemon beebalm), Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot)
Moist: Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed), Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower), Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed), Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp sunflower), Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower), Lobelia siphilitica (Great blue lobelia), Phlox divaricata (Wild blue phlox)
Where could you obtain the plants? My first option would be to check out the suppliers in North Carolina that support the Wildflower Center. Here is my search centered around Murphy NC. I notice that several seed companies listed are 100% native!
From the Image Gallery
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Looking for a source for Atlantic pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana)
July 02, 2009 - I hope you can help me a little. I'm trying to find a way to get Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings) in my garden, but can't find a seed source anywhere. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks...
view the full question and answer
Native trees with beautiful fall foliage
November 18, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, This fall I have been seeing a tree with beautiful red leaves all over Austin and someone told me that these are Chinese tallow trees. Can you tell me where I might buy one of...
view the full question and answer
Source of Pectis angustifolia from Georgetown TX
December 26, 2012 - You answered an earlier question about Limoncillo (Pectis angustifolia) by saying you had found a source for these seeds in Santa Fe, but the hyperlink was inoperable. I'd like to try to propogate t...
view the full question and answer
Difference in natural soil and potting soil.
February 19, 2008 - If you buy store bought soil is it different than soil from the ground?
view the full question and answer
Location of Taxus baccata
March 30, 2011 - Where in the USA may I purchase taxus baccata? I can't find them anywhere on the internet or at local nurseries. I need about 125! So, saplings would be preferred even though they are slow growing...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |