Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - March 16, 2009
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: School project picking wildflowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We have a Biology PreAp class in our high school that has their students do a wildflower project each year. The teacher gives the students a list of 25 wildflowers and the children have to locate, pick and press dry flowers that later are turned in as a project. I am concerned because the students are out pulling flowers from "everywhere" with no respect to locations. We as parents will be driving miles to try and locate the flowers in order to support our children. Are all wildflowers free for the picking? I think parents that are driving need to be educated as well.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants had a similar questiion a few weeks ago about a school project that requires the students to collect wildflowers. Please see the answer to that question. While there are laws prohibiting collection of plants in preserves and parks, there are really not any laws prohibiting the picking of wildflowers per se anywhere else. There are, or course, trespass laws that may come into affect if the picking is done on private land; and, parking and collecting along highways could result in a citation for illegal parking or creating a traffic hazard. In Mr. Smarty Plants' opinion, sending the students out to photograph the flowers on the list is a much better option. Photographing in a preserve or park is NOT prohibited and there are usually a wealth of different plants to be found in these locations. Not only does the student learn about the wildflowers and the areas where they grow, but they will gain some expertise in photography as well. It is amazing what wonderful photographs very inexpensive digital or film cameras can make. Perhaps you could suggest to the teacher that this would be an option for his/her next wildflower project.More Wildflowers Questions
Tidying up Copper Canyon Daisies in San Antonio
March 30, 2010 - We have a small bed with 4 copper canyon daisies. We cut them back in the fall but have not pruned them during growing season; as a result they become a big tangle by September. Should they be pruned ...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover Suggestion for OK
April 24, 2015 - I need your suggestion for a groundcover for a flower bed in the sun and in the shade in Oklahoma.
view the full question and answer
Locating wildflowers for school project in March
January 27, 2005 - I have been assigned a school project to collect 10 wildflowers by March. I don't see any around to collect this time of year. Do you know where I could find some? I live in San Antonio.
view the full question and answer
Native Plants for Galveston
February 12, 2012 - I'm looking for low maintenance, drought tolerant plants for Galveston, on the bay side, in a well drained area with morning sun. I was thinking of Phlox, Muhly grass, Lantana.....and I am looking f...
view the full question and answer
Desmanthus and Chamaecrista seeds
June 05, 2005 - Hello my wildflower specialist friend. I got 20 Desmanthus illinoensis and also Chamaecrista fasciculata seeds. Then I planted them in early March, when there was still frost, in clayish soil, not far...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |