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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - September 12, 2006

From: Grand Prairie, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Wildflowers to see at Wildflower Center in September
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My wife and I will be coming to Austin for the Quilt Show September 29, 2006. Will the wild flowers and gardens still be active? We would very much like to visit if there would still be plenty to see.

ANSWER:

The end of September is generally the peak of the season for our fall bloomers, such as:
Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata)
Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Gay-feather (Liatris mucronata)
Velvetleaf senna (Senna lindheimeriana)
Giant goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Golden-Eye (Viguiera dentata)

Because of the very hot and dry summer we have had this year, they may not be as showy as some years; however, the recent rains should help the situation.

Additionally, we have a sculpture exhibit, Big Bugs, that will be on display at the Wildflower Center until November 4.