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
Wednesday - May 02, 2012
From: Louisville, KY
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Propagation, Shade Tolerant, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Seed source for Carex texensis from Louisville KY
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Your reply to my question re a grass for my Kentucky home with cistern only water available was much appreciated, Carex texensis was recommended. I am unable to find this product for sale other than potted plants, at $12 apiece this is not feasible for us, Any ideas or suggestions where the seeds would be available?ANSWER:
We are sorry about that. We have learned that the availability of turf plants for shade is limited at best. When you go to the webpage on Carex texensis (Texas sedge), you will learn that it can be propagated both by root division and seeds. We agree that the cost of pots initially is discouraging, but once you get some sedge growing, you can make your own divisions. Not a quick fix, but quick fixes often backfire.
Try going to our National Suppliers Directory, putting your town and state (or zip code) into the "Enter Search Location" box, and click on "Go". This will give you a list of native plant seed suppliers, nurseries and landscape consultants in your general area. Your best chance is going to be via mail order. We already tried our favorite mail order seed supplier in Texas, Native American Seed, but they do not now carry Texas Sedge. When we test drove this procedure for Louisville, KY we got this list. They all have contact information and since we don't know much about the geography of Kentucky, suggest you try contacting them first, before you start driving around hunting them. If the suppliers you contact don't carry what you want, they might be able to suggest a source or order the seed for you. Good Luck!
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
TIF 419 Bermudagrass vs. Zoysia
September 03, 2008 - I'm currently faced with the decision to sod my yard with TIF 419 or Zoysia. Zoysia is double the price so my knee jerk reaction is to go with Bermuda. Proponents of Zoysia claim it requires less m...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers & Shrubs for Shade in North Carolina
April 30, 2013 - Mr Smarty Pants,
My neighbor planted cypress trees as a border between his yard and ours and it is sucking up every drop of water and nutrient. We also have a purple plum in the area which creates ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for full-sun landscape
November 20, 2007 - I live in a very rocky area just outside of Fort Worth, TX. It's taken me all spring, summer & now I'm going into the fall, to landscape just 30 feet in front of my house. The front of the house get...
view the full question and answer
Native grasses for wood planter box in Houston
August 04, 2011 - Hi, I'm making a long wood planter box/bench for my wood deck. The area gets direct sun only in the late afternoon/evening and the deck serves as a play space for our one-year old son. I'd like to...
view the full question and answer
Is Sedum recommended for a greenroof project in Houston
July 23, 2008 - Would you recommend using Sedum for a green roof project in Houston, Texas? Will the humidity effect the sedum? If sedum would be a poor choice, what would you recommend for Houston?
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. |
