Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Saturday - September 19, 2009
From: Weirton, WV
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Plant around Pittsburg from Weirton WV
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have seen this plant outside of the Pittsburgh,PA area and was told it is called Midnight Cowboy. It has bright yellow flowers and long green leaves that only comes out at night(so I am told). Can you tell me something of this plant?ANSWER:
At the Lady Bird Johnsosn Wildflower Center, we are dedicated to the use, care and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. The genus Begonia is a tropical plant, originating in Brazil and southern South America, and is therefore out of our range of experience. When this plant escapes cultivation, it is considered invasive in some parts of the United States. Although begonias could probably be grown in a sheltered area in either Pennsylvania or next-door West Virginia, they would function only as tender annuals, and would need to be brought indoors in order to survive in the winter. We found this one piece of information on that particular begonia from Backyardgardener.com Midnight Cowboy Begonia but did not determine what color it is. You might try searching the American Begonia Society for more information.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Evergreen replacement for bamboo in Redding CA
July 27, 2009 - We have just removed bamboo from our backyard and need to replace it with a plant that will give us the same type of privacy. What plant would you suggest to plant along a fence line that will surviv...
view the full question and answer
Non-native invasive henbit from Round Rock TX
April 27, 2013 - I've read in this book "Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants" that Henbit is an invasive plant in Texas. I've also read that it provides an early source of nectar to bees and butterflies when li...
view the full question and answer
Another plant with ice plant as the common name from Corpus Christi
June 17, 2010 - This is not a question, but your "ice plant" answer to El Cajon did not consider Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, which I believe is the common roadside succulent that ate California. God have mercy ...
view the full question and answer
Nutgrass in Lakeway TX Habiturf
September 30, 2012 - I just installed a new septic system with drip field. Planted habiturf over the whole area. The habiturf is doing good, but I was away for a while and the nut grass has taken over several areas. It s...
view the full question and answer
Native plants to go between patio stones in Oceanside CA
February 24, 2010 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I live in Oceanside CA about 5 mi from the coast and have an about 20' sq private patio with "issues". Patio has with flagstones, one side all sun all day, middle area part...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
