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.
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
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Bacterial wetwood disease in ash tree November 11, 2004 I have an Ash tree in my front yard. It's about 25 - 30 years old. About 2 months ago, it began to ooze sap from a point where a limb had been pruned, I'd say, about 15 - 20 years ago. So this cut ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Poor drainage in wildflower bed November 10, 2004 I have a flower bed that has given me difficulty because it has poor drainage but typically receives sun for most of the day. Salvia gregii was the only survivors for the initial landscaping attempt. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Optimum mowing times for wildflower garden November 09, 2004 I live in Washington County and have 4 acres that contain both an abundance of spring wildflowers and native grasses (silver and little bluestem, Texas grama). The homeowners restrictions require that... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smarty Plants on Katy Ruellia November 08, 2004 What can you tell me about Katy Ruellia? I need something with color that will take the hot southeast Texas summers and the cold/wet winters that stays decent and will flower. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native perennial winter plants for Waco, TX November 03, 2004 I live in the Waco area, and would like to know winter plants that I could use that would come back each year, flowering or otherwise. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propagation of yellow columbine November 03, 2004 I purchased a yellow columbine, Aquilegia chrysantha and your website says it grows in moist upland soils, and yet it shows their habitat as Utah, Arizona, NM, and sw Texas. Tell me how it can... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Value of planting wildflowers versus maintaining turf November 02, 2004 I'm trying to determine the cost/value of planting wildflowers and whether it is less costly than maintaining turf. Do you have any research on this topic? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smarty Plants on books for Southwest New Mexico November 01, 2004 Which book would you reccommend for Native plants and flowers for Southwest New Mexico - Silver City area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smarty Plants on Poisonous Plants October 27, 2004 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I wonder who among the wonderful staff at the Wildflower Center can answer this. I occasionally get requests for information on toxic or irritating plants. Beyond the obvious ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Possible reasons for early leaf drop of post oaks in Austin October 27, 2004 I have a post oak tree in my back yard that has been losing its leaves since mid-September. This is my first year in the house, and I am surprised that the tree would lose its leaves while the temper... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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