Native Plants
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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - June 19, 2007
From: Cedar Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Butterflies and larval hosts in Dallas County
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My class is starting a butterfly habitat at school. We have researched plants that attract butterflies, however we forgot to look for plants that feed the caterpillars and we want to provide the experience of the caterpillars turning to cocoons, then butterflies. What plants are best for this process? We are in the Grand Prairie area close to Mountain Creek Lake.ANSWER:
Visit the Dallas County Lepidopterists' Society's excellent web site for a list of butterflies found in Dallas County and the larval host and nectar plants that support them. Also, there are several titles (e.g., "Butterfly Gardening Resources" and "Creating a Wildlife Garden") in our How to articles that should be helpful to you.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Native plants for a lizard terrarium
October 24, 2006 - My brother is setting up a terrarium for his lizard and wants advice on some species to put in the tank. He wants plants that generally fit the below description. Can you think of anything fairly c...
view the full question and answer
Will hybrid Tecoma stans attract hummingbirds from Glendale AZ
July 07, 2012 - We bought a bells of fire plant; would like to know if hummingbirds like them?
view the full question and answer
Native Bird Feeding in Belton, TX
July 04, 2011 - We recently bought a bird feeder and a huge bucket of non-native bird seed (I'm not sure if the whole seed mix is non-native, but I believe most of the mix is). The birds go through the whole bird fe...
view the full question and answer
Bee-friendly perennials for Texas
March 19, 2011 - What plants native to east-central TX (College Station, 77840) will attract honeybees?
I have a small "yard" behind my condo. I'd like to plant flowering perennials that will support local bee ...
view the full question and answer
Xeriscape demonstration garden
October 30, 2007 - I am working with the city of Schertz to rejuvenate a xeriscape demonstration garden. We want to plant a hummingbird/butterfly garden using native plants. The current bed is currently overrun with ber...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |