Native Plants
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.
rate this answer
Tuesday - July 09, 2013
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, User Comments, Shrubs
Title: Support for non-native, invasive Nandina Domestica from San Antonio, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I consider nandina domestica to be a perfect plant for San Antonio, but see that it is on the list of invasive plants for surrounding eco-areas. How should I respond regarding one of my favorite landscape plants?ANSWER:
You don't need to respond to us. We agree that nandina is invasive and non-native, BUT we also know it attracts birds who, in turn, spread it farther still. It is evergreen and certainly seems to stand its ground in the face of heat and drought. Everyone has choices to make. We choose to encourage plants native to an area because that conserves resources, requiring less fertilizer (chemicals), water and, if the next door neighbor doesn't want it in their yard, possibly neighborhood relationships. If it is your choice to support this plant, you may certainly do so, but not on a website that supports natives.
More Shrubs 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
Propagation of poinsettias in water from Houston
September 06, 2013 - Pointsettias - we have a broken branch that is thriving in a jar of water with new leaves and additional small branches. When we plant the stem in dirt and even a muck, the growth starts to wither.
...
view the full question and answer
Source for non-native, invasive Winter Honeysuckle from Austin
April 24, 2013 - Seeing Lonicera abiflora today reminds me of the "winter honeysuckle" my grandfather grew in San Antonio from 1920s or so through the 1950's. It was a bush with stiff upright stems and bloomed cre...
view the full question and answer
Windbreaks for Monterey County, CA
May 31, 2013 - I am trying to find good wind breakers for Monterey County area, very windy in the valley.
view the full question and answer
Small shrub for Point Richmond CA
August 19, 2013 - I'm looking for a plant that grows 4-6 feet tall, but not too wide (more than 2-3 feet). I'd like it to be flowering (any color but white and preferably not red). It will be located between a salvi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |