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

Thursday - June 10, 2010

From: Bastrop, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for Texas Star plant from Bastrop LA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Please tell me where I can get a Texas Star plant?

ANSWER:

You are probably referring to Hibiscus coccineus (scarlet rosemallow), which has another common name of "Texas Star," no doubt given to it by plant sellers to make it more attractive. In point of fact, it is not native to Texas, but is native to Louisiana and other southeastern U.S. states. Go to our National Supplier's Director,  type your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" box. You will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and landscape consultants in your general area. They all have contact information, so you can call or e-mail until you find someone who has it in stock. 

From our Native Plant Image Gallery:


Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus

 

 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Source for non-native Coleus Canina
March 04, 2009 - We are trying to find Coleus Canina (Scaredy Cat Coleus)? to no avail. We purchased this plant in 2006 and it works. The Vt company no longer carries it. Can you help me. Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Source for Salvia greggii, Teresa
December 09, 2004 - My mother is trying to find a specific type of salvia that is pink and white striped. I haven't been able to find any information on it. Does it exist and if so, where can I find it.
view the full question and answer

Where can I find Opuntia santa-rita?
February 09, 2009 - Dear Mr. Plants - I'm trying to locate a type of opuntia violacea-santa rita. (Purple prickly pear) Instead of the normal pads, this cactus has rippled pads that almost look like a type of coral. It...
view the full question and answer

Source for lady lupine in Rosemary Beach, FL
April 21, 2009 - Where can I buy the lady lupine? I live in Rosemary Beach, Fl.
view the full question and answer

Source for eastern red cedar trees for Pennsylvania
January 20, 2009 - Please help, Mr. Smarty Pants! I live in Easton PA, and I would like to create an instant screen on my property line using Eastern Redcedar trees. I was hoping to find 5 to 6 foot trees. Most place...
view the full question and answer

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