Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - October 26, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Planting wildflower seed into horseherb in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Can I plant a Texas wildflower seed mix into a stand of Horseherb?ANSWER:
Wildflowers will certainly co-exist with Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy), also known as horseherb, particularly the early Spring-blooming wildflowers that come up while the horseherb is dormant. However, co-existing and planting into are different things. Read this How-To Article Getting Started in Planting Wildflowers. This deals with large-scale wildflower planting, but note the emphasis on getting very good seed/soil contact. Many of the wildflower seeds are very fine, almost like dust, and they might just stick on the straggler daisy leaves rather than getting to the ground. Also, that article warns against other plants shading out the wildflowers when they are just emerging. Most wildflowers like quite a bit of sun, and Calyptocarpus vialis can thrive in sun, part shade and shade. It is often considered a weed and can become invasive. The straggler daisy, with its little yellow flowers and big leaves, would probably be a very nice companion for the wildflowers, but first you must ensure that the plant doesn't dominate your little seedlings or prevent them from germinating at all.
From our Native Plant Database:
More Wildflowers Questions
Dandelions in bluebonnets in Bastrop TX
May 31, 2012 - I have a 20'x60' front yard area where I planted bluebonnets. It has become horrifically inundated with dandelions.
How do I eradicate the dandelions while preserving the bluebonnets ?
Thanks ...
view the full question and answer
Current forecast for wildflowers from Colorado Springs
February 24, 2012 - What is your current forecast for wildflowers this spring?
view the full question and answer
The most common wildflower in the United States
July 29, 2014 - What is the most common wildflower in the United States?
view the full question and answer
Is it illegal to collect wildflower plants from county roads in TX?
February 05, 2016 - Is it illegal to collect wildflower plants like bluebonnets from county roads in Texas?
view the full question and answer
Wildflower seeds affected by mulch in Austin
October 24, 2010 - I have a small wildflower garden in my central Austin yard. In early summer, I had some extra mulch and put it in this garden. Now I'm thinking that was a mistake. The bed has re-seeded itself for se...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |