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_40.gif)
Monday - May 01, 2006
From: Pflugerville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Wildlife uses of wildflowers in Central Texas
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
How are wildflowers in Central Texas used by wildlife?ANSWER:
Wildlife use Central Texas wildflowers in a variety of ways. Insects and hummingbirds may use the flowers for nectar, deer may consume the foliage, and some birds may eat the seeds.Here's a list of some common Central Texas wildflowers from our Native Plant Information Network. If you'll click on the Benefits link on each species page, you'll be taken to a summary of the plant's usefulness to wildlife and humans.
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa)
Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera)
Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
Horsemint (Monarda citriodora)
Greenthread (Thelesperma filifolium)
Foxglove Penstemon (Penstemon cobaea)
Narrowleaf Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
More Wildflowers Questions
Purchase of Galphimia angustifolia from Austin
June 08, 2014 - I have a Thryallis, Galphimia augustifolia, or Thryallis autustifolia, growing from a limestone ledge in my yard in west Austin TX. I have tried unsuccessfully to buy this native. Do you sell it at t...
view the full question and answer
Spots on bluebonnets from Godley TX
April 21, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants!
I'm trying to separate rumor and folktales from fact when it comes to bluebonnets in Texas. I notice that bluebonnet blossoms have a double white spot on the center petal tha...
view the full question and answer
Why Did Gaillardia and Aquilegia Changed Color?
June 26, 2013 - Both a Gaillardia pulchella and two red columbines bloomed normally last summer, but this summer the Gaillardia's petals are all yellow and one columbine is white and the other is yellow. What caused...
view the full question and answer
Small, flowering, evergreen plants for hillside in Austin.
October 27, 2007 - I have a steep, dry hillside measuring approximately 4 feet high by six feet wide. I want to plant low growing, evergreen, flowering plants across the bed that will flower as long as possible, and thr...
view the full question and answer
Visiting Texas for bluebonnets
December 29, 2004 - I know rainfall amounts in the winter affect the blooming of bluebonnets in the spring. I am thinking about visiting Texas this spring. What should I be looking for in rainfall amounts? I will watch...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |