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.
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| Texas Redbud Suddenly Died in NM November 06, 2014 We had a Texas redbud, approximately 5 1/2 years old. It had been doing great then all of a sudden after it bloomed this spring, the leaves appeared but then shriveled right away. We noticed the trunk... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Are American Hazelnuts Self-Fertile? November 06, 2014 I planted an American Hazelnut a couple of years ago that I ordered from a catalog. Is this plant self-fertile or do I need to plant another one? I have seen conflicting information on this subject. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native NW Pennsylvania Plants for Soap November 06, 2014 Are there any plants in northwest Pennsylvania that can be used as soap? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need shrubs for a privacy screen in Glendale CA October 30, 2014 Dear. Mr. Smarty Plants I need to grow a tall hedge 15-20 feet minimum to block a condo complex which overlooks my back yard. I need a fast growing hedge which is non toxic to dogs and one which roo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How to germinate seed for Styrax grandifolius October 18, 2014 How do I germinate seed for the Styrax grandifolius? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is Sabal minor juglone tolerant? October 13, 2014 Is Sabal minor or any other small and shade tolerant palm juglone tolerant? I’d like to plant one in an area near a pecan tree but I am not sure if they will play well together. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Beauty Berry Without Berries. October 08, 2014 I have a beautyberry that has no berries. I have some 3 year old bushes that are not producing berries. They are in semi-shade and I fertilize them. The bushes are green and growing but no berries.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning Citrus Suckers October 06, 2014 Mr. Smarty Plants, you are the only person that has "not" insisted that the little balls on Satsuma and lemon trees were clumps of bugs. They are surely what you described in the answer to my previo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting Artemisia Cuttings in Texas September 29, 2014 I've rooted a number of artemisia plants in water and have transplanted them to pots. They grow so very well in our dry drought-stricken soil and need very little water. I'd like to transition these... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrub with thorns, black fruit and citrus fragrance in Michigan September 19, 2014 I'm not sure that my plant is a native, but I'm hoping to find some answer. There is a small patch of roadside shrubs on my property which I've been unable to identify. They have simple opposite ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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