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)
Tuesday - May 03, 2011
From: Enning, SD
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Recommendations for house plants for South Dakota
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Thank you for your web site! I live in Enning South Dakota, and I am new to this beautiful part of the United States. I would love to grow house plants but don't know where to start looking or what kind to buy! I have always enjoyed vine plants and spider plants but have no clue on what plants I can grow here. Thank you and have a Blessed day!ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes." 'Native' means native to North America. Many houseplants, such as spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), are NOT native to North America and our expertise doesn't extend to those plants. However, it is possible to use native plants as houseplants. Please read our "How to Article", Container Gardening with Native Plants. You can check the South Dakota Recommended list for native plants that might be suitable for container plants. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to limit the list to 'Herb' (under GENERAL APPEARANCE) and 'Perennial' (under LIFESPAN). You should look for plants with interesting foliage since the flowering plants will have a limited season for blooming. Here are a few possibilities from that list.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Athyrium filix-femina (Common ladyfern)
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge pea)
Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood)
Lilium philadelphicum (Wood lily)
Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot)
Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth solomon's seal)
Viola sororia (Missouri violet)
If you are really interested in having houseplants like the spider plant that are not native to North America, then your best bet for recommendations is a local reputable nursery. Those are not within our area of expertise.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery of the above plants:
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Looking for source of wildflower seeds in Southern California
October 08, 2014 - I'm looking for a source of wildflower seed--a mix of annuals and perennials--for my desert location of La Quinta, CA
view the full question and answer
How to find out which native plants grow in your particular area
March 26, 2010 - I'm doing an ecology project (prairie restoration) PLEASE RESPOND A.S.A.P MY PAPER IS DUE SOON!!!! Any native plants of Kenosha, WI?
view the full question and answer
Source for materials for making seedballs
September 01, 2008 - Regarding your answer to the person looking for Red Clay for making seedballs: The Red Clay can be found at Armadillo Clay in Austin, TX. (The inquirer lives in Round Rock). The Wildflower Center arti...
view the full question and answer
Source for Brasil tree, Condalia hookeri
February 23, 2005 - I have been searching for this tree everywhere, but cannot locate a dealer/retailer/nursey that sells this tree. Its name is Brasil tree (Condalia hookeri) and it is native to the southern US, ...
view the full question and answer
Source for Bumelia lanuginosa in Austin
February 24, 2005 - PLEASE HELP! I'm trying to plant several trees called Bumelia lanuginosa (synonym: Sideroxylon langinosum). The common names include but are not limited to: Ironwood, Chittamwood, Gum Elastic, Wooly...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |