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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| Visual difference between Strophostyles umbellata and S. helvola September 06, 2012 I know that Strophostyles umbellata is perennial and S. helvola is an annual, but can you tell me how to visibly distinquish between S. umbellata and S. helvola. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of tall plant with blooms similar to squash in Ohio September 05, 2012 Trying to identify a mystery plant. Have found nothing similar on the internet. Can I send a picture and if so, how? The plant is over 5 feet tall with many branches and has blooms similar to squas... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of plant in Kentucky with fuzzy grayish-green leaves September 03, 2012 I would like to know about a plant that I do not know what it is. I had this plant just come up in my flowerbed, that looked like a tobacco plant but the leaves looked like a lambs ear plant. It was ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identity of a plant in Florida with red fruit like a small tomato September 03, 2012 It looks like a small tomato but it isn't. It has a bunch of flakey seeds on the inside, which are a light brown in color. The outside is red, and I think it starts out growing green and also white.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is Talinum paniculatum native to Central Texas? September 02, 2012 I just bought a plant in Austin called Talinum paniculatum, Jewels of Opar. We are adamant about growing only local natives in the yard so it will have to be a potted plant unless you can verif... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of small tree in Florida August 31, 2012 I live in Port Saint Lucie, FL. We have a few trees (?) growing in our yard I would like to i.d. They seem to grow quickly have smooth leaves that grow opposite one another and the underside of the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant identification from Prairie Village KS August 25, 2012 My friend has identified this plant as a Horseweed. It is 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall. Has a thick, fuzzy single stem. Linear leaves, about 3/4 inch across and 3 or 4 inches long with one or two notches on e... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of plant that smells like oranges in Alpine, TX August 16, 2012 There are patches of flat bushy like plants in lawn, smells like orange. Areas may be 10" and spreading, but when pulled has small root. How can I get rid of this plant and what is it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of purple flower with flowers similar to witch hazel August 16, 2012 Found along woods roads. Purple flower about 1 - 2 ft. in height. Central stem rises from a ground level leaf whorl of five leaves from 4 to 7 inches long and 2 to 3 inches at their widest point. C... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of a plant at UGA Trial Gardens 15 years ago August 14, 2012 Looking to identify a plant that was in UGA trial gardens about 15 years ago, large plant with purple flowers, fuzzy leaves like a lambs ear. Thought it started with a Thiobana or something like that View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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