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_22.gif)
Wednesday - October 15, 2014
From: Severna Park, MD
Region: Select Region
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives
Title: Nativity of various bulbs
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are the following bulbs native? Chionodoxa forbesii Camassia leichflinii Crocus Sprint tommasinianus Barr's Purple Hyacinthoides hispanica Narcissus 'Actea' Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' Tulipa Madame Lefeber Red EmperorANSWER:
The only bulb on the list that is native to North America is Camassia leichtlinii (Large camas). You can see more information and a photo from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Chionodoxa forbesii (Glory of the Snow) is not native to North America, but native to Turkey.
Crocus tommasinianus (woodland crocus) is not native to North America, but to Hungary and the northern Balkans.
Hyacinthoides hispanic (Hispanic hyacinthoides) is not native to North America. It is native to Spain, Portugal and northwest Africa.
None of the species in the Genus Narcissus are native to North America, but are native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
Scilla siberica (Siberian squill) is not native to North America. It is native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus and Turkey. It is considered invasive in Minnesota.
None of the species in the Genus Tulipa is native to North America. Tulipa species are native to Europe, western and central Asia and North Africa.
You can find more information about most of these species on the Pacific Bulb Society site.
More Invasive Plants Questions
How to deal with suckers on Flame-leaf Sumac
May 20, 2013 - Hi! It seems you can have too much of a good thing! Our flameleaf sumac is taking over our yard. There are multiple shoots appearing in our flower beds and in the lawn. How do I get rid of the unwante...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming wisteria in Oklahoma
June 24, 2008 - I have a wisteria bush that doesn't bloom. It's two years old. What should I do?
view the full question and answer
Ligustrums planted last summer are doing poorly in Houston, TX.
March 06, 2012 - I planted large mature ligustrums trees (~ 8 ft) last summer and the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. Can you please tell me what the cause of this might be and what we can do to prevent th...
view the full question and answer
Eucalyptus tree for Spring, Texas
October 31, 2008 - I've heard eucalyptus trees do not lose their leaves in the winter and grow considerably tall. I want to replace a decaying pine tree with a eucalyptus tree. Do you recommend that for the Spring, T...
view the full question and answer
Native alternatives for Chinest pistache
September 06, 2007 - We live just outside Kerrville on a lot with shallow soil over rock. We have built a raised bed for a shade tree and were considering a Chinese Pistache. However, I have since heard that they don't...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |