Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - August 27, 2012
From: Sacramento, CA
Region: California
Topic: Plant Lists
Title: Plants for flowerbed beside pool in Sacramento, CA
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
70 foot long 2 ft flower bed running along north side of pool. Gets morning and afternoon sun with late shade on west end and hot sun on east end as sun sets. Need something to help with shooting seeds from FoxGlove plant behind fence and plants that will work along our narrow flowerbed.ANSWER:
Assuming that you mean Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove), a European native, I can't find any information that says that they "shoot" their seeds. However, they do produce lots of seeds and they are considered invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council. You can read about methods for controlling foxglove on the California Invasive Plant Council website.
You can search for plants for your flower bed in our California-Northern Recommended list by using the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the choices under Light Requirement to "Sun - 6 or more hours." All of the plants on the list are commerically available plants native to northern California and suitable for planned landscapes. Here are a few from that list:
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Kinnikinnick). Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Achillea millefolium (Common yarrow). Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Lupinus albifrons (Silver lupine). Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Muhlenbergia rigens (Deergrass). Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Epilobium canum ssp. canum (Hummingbird trumpet). Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Aquilegia formosa (Western columbine). Here are more photos from CalPhotos.
Camassia quamash (Small camas). Here is more information from Washington Native Plant Society.
Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod). Here is more information from the Robert W. Freckman Herbarium at the University of Wisconsin.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Recommended Species List for Nova Scotia.
October 12, 2015 - Hi, I love your site. I am from Nova Scotia and run an "Invasive Plants Cape Breton" facebook page and also "Cape Breton Garden and Botany Lovers". Was dismayed to find no recommended plants for...
view the full question and answer
Native Ohio Shubs for Wildlife
July 20, 2015 - Hi, I'm looking to plant shrubs and bushes for in front of our home this week but would like to plant some that are good for wildlife including bees and birds. Do you have any suggestions for norther...
view the full question and answer
Native Habitat Lists from Toronto ON
August 01, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants. I see that you provide Native Habitat information on the plant detail sheets. Would I be able to find a full list of habitat types anywhere on this website?
Thanks,
view the full question and answer
What thorny vine grows rapidly in Pensacola?
May 06, 2013 - What thorny vine grows rapidly in Pensacola?
view the full question and answer
Planting under Pine Trees in Pocatello ID
April 08, 2014 - Hi I was wondering if you could give me some ideas of what I could plant under and near some pine trees for my area. The trees are huge and so it is also constant shade where I want to plant. Thanks f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |