Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - March 06, 2007

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Native wildflowers for caliche soil
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What kind of wildflower seeds can I plant on caliche soil. No water, other than rain, with some deer grazing.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants answered a similar query very recently so I am referring you to that previously answered question. Then, I would recommend that you visit our link to Native American Seed in Junction, Texas. They have several wildflower seed mixes that contain species that would do well in your soil. For instance, the Apache Plateau Mix, Native Texas Mix, or the Deer Resistant Mix would all be good choices. Also, when you buy their seeds using our web referral, Native American Seed makes a contribution to the Wildflower Center.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Getting milkweed seeds into seed mixes from Milwaukee WI
February 07, 2014 - My husband and I are concerned about the Monarch butterfly migration and have started an effort to get milkweed planted along some bike trails here in Wisconsin. This made me think of Ladybird Johnso...
view the full question and answer

Red selection of Coreopsis Tinctoria from Austin
June 10, 2013 - Red tall plains coreopsis is being sold @ Eden Bros. THey note it is a native, can grow to zone 10, but they say it is "not heat or drought toleranr". Cannot find verification or rebuttal anywhere. ...
view the full question and answer

Small native flowering plants for Plano, TX
July 07, 2005 - Suggestions for native flowering plants small enough for a border planting? I live in Plano TX, just north of Dallas. Zone 8.
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants on Virginia crownbeard
January 29, 2005 - I recently moved to the Hill Country and notice some "weeds" that seemed to into explode into ice formations when the temperature first fell below freezing. Can you tell me the name of this plant an...
view the full question and answer

Life cycle of Big Bend bluebonnet from Rosanky TX
April 29, 2010 - I have searched and searched and need to find the life cycle of a Big Bend Bluebonnet for a school project, but have been unable to find it. If there is a website that would have this information, ple...
view the full question and answer

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