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

Sunday - May 16, 2010

From: The Colony, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Science project
Answered by: Damon Waitt

QUESTION:

I am doing a science project and have to find 30 examples of flowers native to Texas to photograph. What is available in the Dallas - Fort Worth area that is easily photographed?

ANSWER:

Given the exceptional spring we are having here in Texas, you should have no trouble finding wildflowers to photograph for your science project. Here is what the Green Guru suggests:

1. Review the pictures and plants in the Recommended Species list for North Central Texas

2. Go outside and look for those plants and photograph them.

3. Don't procrastinate. The longer you wait, the fewer flowers you will find to photograph.

Here are a few wildflowersto from your area to get you started:


Aquilegia canadensis

Callirhoe digitata

Castilleja indivisa

Centaurea americana

Coreopsis tinctoria

Echinacea purpurea

Gaillardia pulchella

Hesperaloe parviflora

Lantana urticoides

Monarda citriodora

Ratibida columnifera

Salvia farinacea

 

 

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Propagation of California poppies in Abilene, TX
September 25, 2008 - I live in Abilene,TX and would like to plant some California Poppies from seed. Is it best to sow these in the fall or wait until the spring? Our winters can produce some cold spells of below 20 degre...
view the full question and answer

Viability and storage of bluebonnet seeds past "use by" date
April 26, 2006 - I have several packets of Bluebonnet seeds and wildflower seeds which have "packed for 2006 use by 3/07". My questions: 1) will these seeds be good for the 2007 growing season?; 2) how should I ...
view the full question and answer

Plants for winter color in native wildflower meadow backyard
February 28, 2006 - I am establishing a wildflower meadow in my backyard (150'x50'). it will have native Texas wildflowers, Buffalo Grass and Blue Gramma grass. Is there any plant that you can recommend for winter inte...
view the full question and answer

Pink wildflowers on DFW runways in April-June
October 10, 2013 - I fly thru DFW quite often and have noticed in April-June timeframe the runways are dotted with a light pink colored wildflower. Have asked the DFW Customer Service folks for the name, ones I've ask...
view the full question and answer

Caterpillars on Milkweed in MA
January 23, 2016 - I have found every year a black/red caterpillars on my milkweed. They eat everything! I have never been able to find out what they are or how to get rid of them.
view the full question and answer

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