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 - March 15, 2004
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: White Bluebonnets
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
Are white Bluebonnets rare?ANSWER:
The variance in genetics, coupled with environmental factors, allows for the occasional possibility of a variety of flower color, including white and pink bluebonnets. Seeds from white bluebonnets often produce a higher than usual percentage of white offspring, but their genetic variance still allows for the continued production of the standard blue colored bluebonnet. Read more about it from an interesting article published by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System:Bluebonnet Story.
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Revegetation of school site with meadow plants from Austin
December 23, 2013 - We are revegetating a hill country school site (typical calciferous soil stripped of vegetation & minimal topsoil) with a native seed mix equal to Native American Seed "Meadow Mix". We have an abund...
view the full question and answer
Asters bloom period
April 16, 2005 - When do the asters bloom?
view the full question and answer
Wildseed Planting in a drought
September 14, 2011 - Due to the extreme drought and no rain in the near future in central Texas would it be prudent to have a wildseed planting in October?
view the full question and answer
Buying bluebonnet plants for project in Amarillo TX
February 10, 2013 - Is there anywhere I can buy some bluebonnet plants by March 1, 2013 for a school project? We are growing some, but they are just up.
view the full question and answer
Caring for a wildflower meadow in Austin, TX.
March 22, 2016 - We have a meadow full of wildflowers in the country, bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, etc. What can we do to promote continued growth and is there a certain time of year we should mow? Should we fe...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |