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 20, 2014
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Butterfly Gardens, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Milkweed recommendations for Austin, TX
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I live on thin limestone soil in Austin's NW Hills. I'd like to plant some milkweed to help the monarch butterflies in their migration. Which species should I plant, and are those available in our local nurseries or at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center? Or must I start with seeds - I'm not very successful planting seeds. Also, do the plants require full sun, or will part shade do? Most of my yard is pretty shady.ANSWER:
Awww - - You just missed it! The Wildflower Center just held its Fall Wildflower Sale last weekend – and they had two native varieties of Milkweed for Sale: Asclepias texana (Texas milkweed) and Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed)
[They were quite popular for the same reason that you want them, but you may want to give the Wildflower Center a call and see if they are available] Similarly, as many folks are interested in supporting the Monarchs, it is likely that your local native plant supplier would also have them in stock!
As natives recommended for this area – You can be comfortable that these varieties are well suited to our lovely thin limestone soil and seriously hot summers [not that they like it any more than we do!]
The growing conditions for Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed) gave:
GROWING CONDITIONS
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Prefers well-drained sandy soils. Tolerates drought.
With that, it looks like the sunnier areas of your yard would be the most successful, Asclepias texana (Texas milkweed) indicated it needed full sun.
From the Image Gallery
More Butterfly Gardens Questions
Native plants for East Texas school gardens
May 19, 2008 - I am a teacher in San Augustine, Texas (which is in the Eastern Pineywoods region). I have started an outdoor classroom/schoolyard habitat at our school. We are in the process of planning our plant ...
view the full question and answer
Native host plants for Painted Lady Butterfly
June 01, 2006 - I am looking for host plants for the Painted Lady Butterfly that I can plant in my school's (I am a teacher) native plant/butterfly garden. As part of the curriculum, each spring the 1st grade raises...
view the full question and answer
Will Canada geese eat Asclepias tuberosa from Cape May Court, NJ
May 20, 2014 - Will Canada geese eat my butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)? I know this plant is deer resistant. I really want to plant some on sandy bank near pond in my back yard, but I fear the geese will ...
view the full question and answer
Natives for wet soil in Cincinnati OH
March 21, 2014 - I live in Cincinnati and the soil in my back yard is wet (soggy) all year round. There are moss and grass growing in the yard. The area is shaded in the afternoon but receives sun earlier in the day. ...
view the full question and answer
Native annuals for pollinators in King County, Washington
February 06, 2014 - I live in King County, Washington State, and I have a plot in a community garden. Rather than plant food, I'd like to attract pollinators. I need to use native annuals rather than perennials as the c...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |