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

Saturday - June 15, 2013
From: Farifax, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives, Butterfly Gardens, Wildlife Gardens
Title: Replacement for Globe Thistle in Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, We are trying to get our garden to be 100% North American Native and are at about 90% native to our region. One of the last plants we have to replace is our Globe Thistle. Do you have a good recommendation for a native replacement? We have a smallish butterfly/ humming bird garden in our front yard next to the front porch. The Globe thistle has been doing well- it isn't at all invasive or bullying our other plants , but he doesn't make the cut when committing to be 100% native. Thanks!ANSWER:
Nan
The globe thistles (Echinops spp.) are beautiful but, as you said, are not native. They are native to Europe and Asia.
I visited our Virginia Recommended page of commercially available native plants for landscaping in Virginia and found the following that would be a good replacement for your globe thistle:
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed) is a host plant for monarch and queen butterflies. Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Baptisia australis (Blue wild indigo) is attractive to bees and the color is similar to the globe thistle. Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Conoclinium coelestinum (Blue mistflower) is a major attractant for butterflies. Here is more information from Missouri Botanical Garden. Be sure to note the cautions about its agressiveness.
Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus (Trumpetweed) attracts bees and butterflies. Birds may consume the seeds. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) attracts bees, butterflies and humingbirds. Here is more information from North Carolina State University.
Lobelia siphilitica (Great blue lobelia) attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Monarda didyma (Scarlet beebalm) attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Here is more information from Illinois Wildflowers.
Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot) attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Here is more information from The Herb Society of America.
Penstemon digitalis (Mississippi penstemon) attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Here is more information from Rainscaping.
You should also check out other possibilities on the Virginia Recommended page. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select the criteria you want.
From the Image Gallery
More Non-Natives Questions
Milkweed and non-native goatweed in Austin
May 28, 2011 - Which parks or fields can we find many milkweed and goatweed in Austin, TX? I live in Austin, TX 78757.
view the full question and answer
Information about non-native tung tree
November 20, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a tree growing in my yard in North Austin which I can't identify. I have been told it is a 'tong' or 'tung' tree but can't find it in any reference books. It is de...
view the full question and answer
Identification of red lily-like blossom in Austin, TX
September 21, 2012 - Rain at last in Austin! The rain lilies are up, but wait, what on earth is this? Lily like, 6 petals, but a cluster of 6 stalks w/blood red blooms slightly larger than our rain lilies - Off under a ...
view the full question and answer
Is non-native Viburnum suspensum (sandankwa) poisonous to dogs?
March 20, 2011 - Are Viburnum suspensum leaves or berries (Sandankwa) poisonous to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Hiding a chicken house from Glen Rose TX
February 06, 2013 - To hide a chicken house, which do you recommend, crape myrtles or chinese photinias?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |