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_11.gif)
Sunday - March 30, 2008
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for non-native, invasive Chocolate Mimosa
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hi, I was wondering if you know where I can get seeds for a Chocolate Mimosa Tree? I saw one and I fell in love with the colors but I can not find any seeds or a tree.ANSWER:
Sorry, but no. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the care and propagation of plants native to North America. Albizia julibrissin (mimosa, silk tree) is a native of Asia from Iran east to China and Korea. Cultivar "Chocolate Mimosa" was developed in Japan and begun recently being imported into the United States. Not only is the mimosa a non-native, but it is on many invasives list; that is, native plant people not only don't recommend you plant it, they recommend you remove it if you've already planted it. See this website from the Plant Conservation Alliance on "Least Wanted" mimosa. So, our usual native plant suppliers and seed sources would definitely not have this plant in their inventory. See this list of alternatives to the non-native mimosa in our Plantwise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Source for Matelea for Indiana
December 05, 2008 - I have been searching unsuccessfully I might add for a vine species called Matelea. These vines benefit the Monarch butterflies but no butterfly places online carry them.
Where would a good place be...
view the full question and answer
Mail order sources for Salvia
January 14, 2007 - Do you know of any mail order sources for Salvia?
view the full question and answer
Source for Wave scaly cloakfern (Astrolepis sinuata)
April 13, 2006 - Can't make it to the Plant Sale but really want to buy one Astrolepis sinuata (Wavy Cloak Fern) if a plant is available for sale. Is it possible to buy one if one is available after the sale date (j...
view the full question and answer
Source for Brazoria Hawthorne
September 01, 2008 - I want to buy several Brazoria Hawthorn to plant in my yard and need a source, can you help?
view the full question and answer
Seed source for non-native Cenipa americana
July 11, 2005 - The Genipa americana plant or seeds, do you have it on sale too?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |