Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Thursday - July 07, 2005

From: Plano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Small native flowering plants for Plano, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Suggestions for native flowering plants small enough for a border planting? I live in Plano TX, just north of Dallas. Zone 8.

ANSWER:

Here are a list of species that are a foot or less in height that should do well in your area. When you reach the page for the flower, be sure to check the "Bloom", "Characters", and "Growing Conditions" in the menu at the top of the page.

1. Sand violet or Missouri violet (Viola affinis) blooms in early spring, retains its green leaves in the winter, and requires moist soil.

2. Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) blooms March through November, is evergreen and tolerates heat and drought.

3. Prairie verbena or Dakota vervain (Glandularia bipinnatifida) blooms March through December and tolerates dry soil.

4. Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) evergreen in areas protected from frost, blooms May through September, and tolerates moist or dry soil.

5. Shrubby skullcap or Sticky skullcap (Scutellaria resinosa) blooms May through July and is drought tolerant. Dyck Arboretum of the Plains has a photograph.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Fertilizing wild bluebonnets
September 26, 2007 - Can you fertilize wild bluebonnets? If so, with what and when?
view the full question and answer

Poppies on Pflugerville, TX lake
April 26, 2008 - I live on the new Pflugerville Lake. We are trying to get wildflower seed to plant around the lake in the mitigation areas. Will Poppies grow here?
view the full question and answer

Possibility of replacing Bermudagrass with native grasses and wildflowers
November 24, 2008 - Are there any native grasses and wildflowers that can compete with bermuda grass to make a nativ-y wild area without removing the bermuda?
view the full question and answer

Landscaping in Bertram TX
September 25, 2009 - I have a landscaping job in Bertram, Texas and am looking for all my options as far as full and partial shade somewhat hardy plants. I'm mainly looking for small plants and pretty flowers I can do wi...
view the full question and answer

When do bluebonnets bloom in Austin
January 03, 2008 - When do Blue Bonnets bloom in Austin? We have someone who wants to come visit and see the Blue Bonnets and I want to tell them the right time of year.. Thanks!!
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.