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)
Thursday - March 26, 2015
From: Orlando, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Seeds and Seeding
Title: Seeds and seed pods of bluejacket (Tradescantia ohiensis or Hyacinthus orientalis
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have lots of bluejacket flowers in my yard. I keep looking for the seed pods but can't find any seeds. Where are the seed pods located on the bluejacket flower? Thanks. Lew DallasANSWER:
I'm not sure if you mean Tradescantia ohiensis (Bluejacket), a native of North America or you mean Hyacinthus orientalis (Blue jacket), a native of Turkey, Syria and Lebanon.
Here is more information about Tradescantia ohienis with photos that show the seeds in the papery seed cases.
Even though Hyacinthus orientalis is a flowering plant and, thus, produces seeds, it is generally propagated by bulbs. Here are more photos of the flowering plant and photos of the ripe seed pods with the seeds inside. Here are closeups of the seeds and the seed pods. They will become evident along the flower stalk when the blossoms have dried up.
From the Image Gallery
More Seeds and Seeding Questions
Scarifying seeds of evergreen sumacs from Lockhart TX
May 19, 2013 - Dear Smarty Plants,
We would like to grow our own evergreen sumacs. Consulting Nokes book, How to Grow Native Plants on page 310, it says to scarify fresh uncleaned seeds for 30-45 minutes.
On page...
view the full question and answer
Germinating Milkweed Seeds
January 23, 2015 - When is the best time to plant milkweed seeds outside? I was told when the overnight temperature hits 70 F. (our garden is in Lakeway, Texas). So around late May? Is this when the seeds germinate i...
view the full question and answer
Comment on poisonous sweet pea plant from Kalama WA
October 29, 2011 - No question, comment only. I am aware of the story of Christopher McCandless (Call of the Wild)and the belief that he was poisoned by ingesting part of the sweet pea plant; however I am curious what ...
view the full question and answer
Allowing Habiturf to seed out in Austin TX or Austin OR
November 21, 2013 - What does it mean to let habiturf "go to seed?" Do I need to wait for all the seeds to drop before that is true? Or, if I mow it when there are seed heads, will those seeds provide new plants in the...
view the full question and answer
Winter-interest plants in Wynnewood PA
July 11, 2010 - Could you please suggest flowering plants that provide winter interest after drying out (ie with seed pods or interesting dried flower heads)? I'm looking for something that grows in full sun. Thank ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |