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)
Sunday - March 09, 2008
From: Kerrville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Does Monarda citriodora, lemon beebalm, self-fertilize?
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
Does Monarda citriodora produce its seeds from cleistogamous flowers? Thank youANSWER:
Cleistogamy or automatic self-pollination describes the trait of certain plants to reproduce by using non-opening self-pollinating flowers. Mr. Smarty Plants could find no evidence that Monarda citriodora (lemon beebalm) produces seeds from cleistogamous flowers. If you look closely at the blossoms you will see that they are quite open and attract bees and butterflies. Plants for a Future says that it is "self-fertile" or that the flowers are capable of pollinating themselves but that is commonly referred to as being self compatible, not clestogamous.
More Propagation Questions
Can I Grow Beautyberry
December 30, 2011 - Will try to be brief. Beautyberry sprouted leaves in vase of branches in water. It's NYC beginning of winter. Can I plant it outside? If not will it grow in a pot inside?
Thanks. Happy New Ye...
view the full question and answer
Growing Big Red Sage from Seed in San Antonio
November 04, 2010 - I harvested some seed this year from my Big Red Salvia (Salvia penstemonoides). I have searched multiple sites looking for information on growing this wonderful salvia but cannot locate any informati...
view the full question and answer
Harvesting bittersweet from Ames IA
November 06, 2010 - How do I harvest my bittersweet?
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets for Upstate New York
December 03, 2015 - Will Texas Bluebonnet seeds germinate and flourish in Upstate NY?
view the full question and answer
Care and propagation of American Beautyberry
July 20, 2007 - We have an American Beautyberry growing on our lot. Before we fenced the backyard it was browsed by deer, and survived by wedging itself between the fence and a juniper tree. How can we:
1. encou...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |