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 - April 29, 2013
From: Boca Raton, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Sources for Ilex shrubs from Boca Raton FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Where can I find Ilex plants in the Boca Raton, FL area? I would like to use them for hedges.ANSWER:
There are 13 members of the Ilex (holly) genus native to North America; of those, 10 are native to Florida, but only 4 are native to Palm Beach Co., in the southeastern tip of Florida. We suspect this is a function both of the soils in south Florida and of the amount of moisture.
Ilex native to the area of Palm Beach County, FL:
Ilex myrtifolia (Myrtle dahoon)
You can follow each plant link to our webpage on that plant, where you can learn its growing conditions, including the amount of sun it needs. Then, go to our National Suppliers Directory, put your town and city or just your zipcode in the "Enter Search Location box and click on GO. This will give you a list of native plant nurseries, seed suppliers and consultants in your general area. All will have contact information so you can find out if they have in stock what you need before you go shopping.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Need shrubs for a privacy screen in Glendale CA
October 30, 2014 - Dear. Mr. Smarty Plants
I need to grow a tall hedge 15-20 feet minimum to block a condo complex which overlooks my back yard. I need a fast growing hedge which is non toxic to dogs and one which roo...
view the full question and answer
Plant for privacy hedge in Oklahoma that is not poisonous to dogs
April 01, 2012 - Hello!
I am looking to put a privacy hedge fence in my yard. I love the look of American Holly, however, I have a dog who eats everything so I worry that this will not be a wise choice with the b...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on bio-security
June 11, 2005 - Hello,
My friend and I are summer interns at the Bryan Mound Strategic Petroleum Reserve Site in Freeport, Texas. Our jobs as the interns is to find a plant that is friendly to the animals around our...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen for Santa Rosa CA
May 13, 2009 - I am looking for a very fast growing privacy hedge/screen, 15-20 ft., requires not much pruning. I want an evergreen with not a lot of mess. The area gets full sun and after the plant is established...
view the full question and answer
Need plants for privacy screening in a campground in Wade, NC.
December 14, 2010 - Landscaping a campground tent area, need evergreen to grow to ground, narrow in width but will reach height for privacy. There is a wooded tree line along wall that produces shade during summer. Any...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |