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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Saturday - March 09, 2013
From: Victoria, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pollinators, Wildlife Gardens
Title: Bee Plants for Victoria Texas
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I live in Victoria south Texas and want to plant bee beneficial native wildflowers, could you provide advice or contactANSWER:
You bet Mr. Smarty Plants can provide advice [perhaps too much!]. I even learned quite a bit researching this question.
My normal way to start into a question such as this is to go have a look at the Recommended Species for your area. This web link is to the recommended species list for South Texas
Looking just a bit deeper on that page though- I found a whole section of the Recommended Species page dealt with Plants of Special Value to Bees; I have copied it completely below:
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native Bees - Attracts large numbers of native bees.
Special Value to Bumble Bees - Attracts large numbers of bumble bees.
Special Value to Honey Bees - Important pollen or nectar sources (honey plant) for honey bees.
Provides Nesting Materials/Structure for Native Bees - Plants that native bees nest beneath, within, or harvest parts from to construct their nests.
Supports Conservation Biological Control - Plants that attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
OK – We’re definitely in the area of “too much Information”. I have three ways to be a bit more selective,
1) Cross-referencing the two lists (S. Texas, Honeybees) gives Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian sunflower) and Monarda punctata (Spotted beebalm) as plants that are recommended for both the value to bees and as good in your area.
2) Or - - On the South Texas list – for each flower – you can look in the comments for “BENEFIT” for entries such as “Use Wildlife: Nectar-insects.”. This recommendation supports Abutilon hypoleucum (Rio grande abutilon), Amblyolepis setigera (Huisache daisy) and Eysenhardtia texana (Texas kidneywood) as good choices.
3) Or - - In the “Special Value to Bumble Bees” list [or any of the others] – You can review the USDA listing for likely flowers to see if they are native to your area. Sometimes this map only shows Texas, but often, by clicking on the “Texas”, you can get detail right to the county level. Trying this, Asclepias asperula (Spider milkweed), Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) and Baptisia sphaerocarpa (Bush pea) would be good and are native to Texas near Victoria.
I hope these suggestions help! - - If not, I’ve given you good lists and the tools to make your own selections.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Mystery tree with yellow fruit in MN
November 12, 2012 - There is a tree at my workplace, about 8' tall, with small, pea-sized yellow berries right now (Oct. 2012). The berries are attractive to Cedar Waxwings, and the tree has small leaves that are simple...
view the full question and answer
Native plants to attract bees for vegetable garden
August 12, 2007 - I'm looking for native plants that can help attract bees around my vegetable garden to help with pollination. What recommendations do you have?
view the full question and answer
Wildlife benefit of western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis)
October 16, 2007 - A neighbor and I are planting a nearby waste area. I'd like to plant things that will help any wildlife that's managed to survive, probably birds. I may be able to get Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia ...
view the full question and answer
Bird-friendly plants for the Texas coast
July 13, 2012 - I'm interested in starting a native plant garden, specifically with an eye towards providing food (either from the plants or insects that are attracted to the plants) for migratory birds. However, s...
view the full question and answer
Plants to prevent erosion in IL
August 02, 2012 - We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |