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
Tuesday - May 03, 2011
From: Enning, SD
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Recommendations for house plants for South Dakota
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Thank you for your web site! I live in Enning South Dakota, and I am new to this beautiful part of the United States. I would love to grow house plants but don't know where to start looking or what kind to buy! I have always enjoyed vine plants and spider plants but have no clue on what plants I can grow here. Thank you and have a Blessed day!ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes." 'Native' means native to North America. Many houseplants, such as spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), are NOT native to North America and our expertise doesn't extend to those plants. However, it is possible to use native plants as houseplants. Please read our "How to Article", Container Gardening with Native Plants. You can check the South Dakota Recommended list for native plants that might be suitable for container plants. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the list to 'Herb' (under GENERAL APPEARANCE) and 'Perennial' (under LIFESPAN). You should look for plants with interesting foliage since the flowering plants will have a limited season for blooming. Here are a few possibilities from that list.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Athyrium filix-femina (Common ladyfern)
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge pea)
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood)
Lilium philadelphicum (Wood lily)
Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot)
Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth solomon's seal)
Viola sororia (Missouri violet)
If you are really interested in having houseplants like the spider plant that are not native to North America, then your best bet for recommendations is a local reputable nursery. Those are not within our area of expertise.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery of the above plants:
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Looking for a source for Texas persimmon tree (Diospyros texana)
March 23, 2010 - I have looked all over for Texas persimmon trees but am having a difficult time finding any for sale.
Do you know of any nurseries near Austin or Georgetown that sells them?
view the full question and answer
Source for Bigelow oak in Austin
February 03, 2010 - Hi folks! I noticed on my last visit to the Wildflower Center that you now have a shrub white oak/Bigelow oak which I think is new (maybe I was just seeing it for the first time). I absolutely love ...
view the full question and answer
Yaupons not showing berries in Euless, TX
May 04, 2009 - From all I have read, Possumhaw holly is supposed to have berries only on the female. However I have been told and read conflicting things about whether you must have both a male & female in order f...
view the full question and answer
Looking for Vitis californica
September 15, 2009 - I am trying to find two Vitus Californica "Walker Ridge" to plant on a trellis. I live in Santa Cruz, CA and am unable to locate a source for this plant and my local nurseries haven't had any luck ...
view the full question and answer
Horse herb available by seed?
September 25, 2007 - I live in Hays County in Texas, and I would like to plant horse herb on a slope that is now covered with a variety of tall grasses. Is horse herb available in seed form? If so, how may I order some? S...
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. |
