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

Sunday - November 04, 2012

From: Millsboro, DE
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives, Ferns, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Crows foot plant for Christmas wreaths from Millsboro DE
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I am looking for a plant called crows foot to make wreaths for Christmas. Where do I find this plant.

ANSWER:

Common names, as opposed to scientific names, are always a problem for Mr. Smarty Plants, because a common name in one part of North America may be attached to a totally different plant in another part of the country. Our expertise is limited to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but also to the area where those plants grow naturally. This is in the interest of placing plants where they have become accustomed to the soils, rainfall and climate of an area where they have lived for centuries. We found severals previous Mr. Smarty Plants questions referring to plants by this name:

Manchester MD

Delta PA

Salisbury NC

You see our problem, we are not even sure what this plant is, whether it is endangered, or where it might grow. Be sure and follow any additional links in the answers above for more information.

We can, however, direct you to plant sources that might know what you are looking for or even stock it. Go to our National Suppliers Directory and enter your town and state or even just your zip code in the Enter Search Location box. This will get you a list of native plant nurseries, seed suppliers and consultants in your general area. All have contact information and you can call or e-mail in advance to see if they can help you.

From the Image Gallery

Fan clubmoss
Lycopodium digitatum

Woodland stonecrop
Sedum ternatum