Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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

Saturday - October 04, 2008

From: Elkton, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for purchase of non-native Tradescantia zebrina
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Is there a nursery near me that carries Wandering Jew plants?

ANSWER:

Tradescantia zebrina, Wandering Jew, is native to Mexico, and therefore out of our range of experience. The Lady Bird Wildflower Center is focused on the use, propagation and protection of plants native to North America. We do have lists of nurseries in your area, go to Native Plant Suppliers, type in your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" box. This will give you a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, websites, etc. of plant nurseries, seed companies and landscape consultants specializing in native plants. It's unlikely, however, that they would carry this plant, since it is non-native. However, the large commercial nurseries seem to carry far more non-natives than native plants, so you will probably be able to find one near you. The easiest thing is to beg a piece of the plant from someone else who already grows it. It roots very quickly from cuttings, and is also very invasive if it is in the ground. Once it gets going in a flower bed, it is almost impossible to get rid of, so be warned!
 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Source of Calycanthus floridus in Lincolnton NC
May 14, 2010 - I have been trying to find a Calycanthus Floridus, I want to plant them around the house, but have had no luck. I live in Lincolnton, NC do you know of any place I can find them?
view the full question and answer

Source for Acer leucoderm (chalk maple)
January 19, 2009 - Do you know where I can purchase a chalk maple (Acer leucoderme)?
view the full question and answer

Source for trees from Burnet TX
August 19, 2012 - I am desperately searching the central Texas area for Pistacia Mexicana male and female trees to buy. I would like about four, maybe more. I live in the Killeen-Lampasas area and have been to seve...
view the full question and answer

Plants for Painted Lady
May 10, 2009 - Where can I buy plants for the painted lady butterfly larvae in Houston?
view the full question and answer

Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.