Native Plants
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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.
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Wednesday - October 15, 2014
From: Severna Park, MD
Region: Select Region
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives
Title: Nativity of various bulbs
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are the following bulbs native? Chionodoxa forbesii Camassia leichflinii Crocus Sprint tommasinianus Barr's Purple Hyacinthoides hispanica Narcissus 'Actea' Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' Tulipa Madame Lefeber Red EmperorANSWER:
The only bulb on the list that is native to North America is Camassia leichtlinii (Large camas). You can see more information and a photo from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Chionodoxa forbesii (Glory of the Snow) is not native to North America, but native to Turkey.
Crocus tommasinianus (woodland crocus) is not native to North America, but to Hungary and the northern Balkans.
Hyacinthoides hispanic (Hispanic hyacinthoides) is not native to North America. It is native to Spain, Portugal and northwest Africa.
None of the species in the Genus Narcissus are native to North America, but are native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
Scilla siberica (Siberian squill) is not native to North America. It is native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus and Turkey. It is considered invasive in Minnesota.
None of the species in the Genus Tulipa is native to North America. Tulipa species are native to Europe, western and central Asia and North Africa.
You can find more information about most of these species on the Pacific Bulb Society site.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Invasive spreading weed in Michigan that looks like a small pine tree
July 29, 2013 - I have an invasive spreading weed in my gardens. It has black root system, comes up looking like a small pine tree. The green breaks off when you try to pull it.
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Removing nut grass and wild strawberry in Vienna VA
June 13, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Pants,
How do I get rid of wild strawberry plants and nut grass in my large garden bed?
I have rosemary and thyme already there and don't want to use a harmful pesticide (kids and pets...
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Horsetail Rush invasive in Santa Monica CA
January 16, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants:
I live about 3 miles from the beach in the Santa Monica area and have an 18inch deep planter area in my backyard that is adjacent to my garage. I like the look of horsetail rush. I...
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Information about invasive Paulownia tree
September 22, 2008 - What genus and species and family is this Royal Paulownia tree I hear about? Is it Elm? Linden? Dogwood? Is it a weed? thank you
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Percentage of plants native to U.S.
June 22, 2007 - About 50% of the plant species in Hawaii are naturalized, invasive, aliens (from other places). What are equivalent statistics for the lower 48 states (continental US) as a whole?
view the full question and answer
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