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)
Wednesday - February 03, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for Bigelow oak in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi folks! I noticed on my last visit to the Wildflower Center that you now have a shrub white oak/Bigelow oak which I think is new (maybe I was just seeing it for the first time). I absolutely love this tree and see it in the wild all over the place, but I have searched every local nursery (and I've called around as far as Dallas) for this tree and no one seems to grow it. Could you tell me where you got yours, or did you grow it at the center? I'd love to plant a few in my yard. Thanks!ANSWER:
That example of Quercus sinuata var. breviloba (bastard oak) was collected during a plant rescue on private property that was to be developed. We frankly don't know where you would locate it in a nursery, and don't believe we have ever sold it in our of our Plant Sales. While we could find no indication that it is an endangered plant, it may just be rare enough that it is not distributed commercially. Did you try our National Suppliers Directory? You can go there, put your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" box, and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and landscapers in your general area. Some of them might either be able to find it for you or give you some clues.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Arizona centaury near Lost Maples from Austin
November 05, 2012 - I found a clump of Arizona centaury growing/blooming beside a road near Lost Maples State Nat. Area in the Texas hill country last week. Centaurium calycosum is the scientific name. I have 2 questio...
view the full question and answer
Native Suppliers Directory
October 27, 2008 - we are a wholesale wetland plants nursery.we'd like to be added to your wetland plant suppliers list.
thank you
tammy sons
tn nursery
12845 state rt 108
altamont tn 37301
931-692-4252
www.wetl...
view the full question and answer
Native perennial roof garden plants for New York
November 09, 2006 - I am looking for perennial roof gardens plants, sedum, hen and chickens, native plants. I am in zone six. They will have three inches of perilite, gravel, and compost. Can you give me a good local so...
view the full question and answer
Finding Viguiera dentata seeds or plants.
November 09, 2009 - I'm trying to locate seeds or plants of Viguiera Dentata, but have been unsuccessful. With the poliferation of these beautiful flowers this fall, I don't understand why I can't locate them. Do you ...
view the full question and answer
The Importance of Sourcing Local Genotypes
September 09, 2015 - I would like to respond to the answer I got to my Mr. Smarty Plants question about native cultivars vs. straight species. 1) So if I, like many gardeners, don't have access to native plants with a lo...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |