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.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
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.
Search Smarty Plants
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
topic | question | |
Butterfly/hummingbird garden plants for Hill Country, TX February 04, 2011 What drought resistant plants would you recommend for a Hill Country butterfly/hummingbird garden that receives at least a half day of sun? It has afternoon exposure. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Soil improvement near Kerrville, TX December 11, 2010 We live in the Kerrville area; the soil is extremely shallow and deficient. The yard consists of mainly native plants, with a concentration of plants for butterflies and birds. What kind of soil and ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Green blooms on Cedar Sage in Lucas TX September 22, 2010 I have two Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana) one purchased from your plant sale and one from a local nursery planted in part shade in the Dallas area. They seem to be quite happy and are blooming but ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Woolly butterfly bush only one native to Texas from Ft. Davis TX August 19, 2010 I see many kinds of Butterfly Bush at nurseries. Is the woolly butterfly bush the only Texas native? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for shelter for butterflies July 04, 2010 I understand that butterflies need certain plants for food, but are there specific plants that butterflies prefer to use as shelter in central Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hummingbird and butterfly plants for Idaho May 04, 2010 I'm interested in planting a hummingbird and butterfly friendly garden. What do you suggest? I would like something that will rebloom every year and that has long lasting blooms or some different one... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How to grow milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) for monarch butterflies March 31, 2010 I tried and tried and tried to grow Asclepias viridis, A. asperula and even A. oenotheroides from seeds and even tubers for fourteen years! Do you have advice for growing these and other milkweed plan... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants to replace non-native Pentas plant in butterfly garden March 25, 2010 Can you suggest a Native alternative to Pentas? a freeze killed mine and if a native plant can fill that nectar/color void in my garden I'd appreciate it. thanks for all that y'all do. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propagating milkweeds for a monarch butterfly habitat November 02, 2009 I am planting a monarch habitat in Burnet, Tx with Antelope horns, Green milkweed, and butterfly weed. Should I plant in fall or spring??? Should I use cold moist stratification for 3 months at 40... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Yellow butterfly in Tennessee August 19, 2009 I live in Crossville Tenn and am seeing a butterfly that is yellow with a long hanging. What is it and what is it doing? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |