Native Plants
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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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| Non-native astilbe resemblance to non-native poisonous castor bean from Tomslake BC May 21, 2014 I have a plant that looks like a castor bean but it has flowers like a Younique Silvery Pink Astilbe. Need to id because castor bean is poisonous. This plant grows up to 5 feet in height. Thank you ! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Removal of thistles from Columbus TX May 20, 2014 I am sorry if you have an answer in FAQs but I could not find it. We recently cleared property near Columbus Texas of many cedars (ash junipers). This spring we experienced a profusion of thistle -... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting non-native crape myrtle in Scottsdale AZ May 11, 2014 When is the best time to transplant dwarf crape myrtle in Scottsdale AZ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with Habiturf in Austin May 10, 2014 I have been trying to establish a Habiturf lawn in my back yard. It is approximately a 1,000 square foot area and this last seeding was the third over about one and a half years. I just recently over ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants to grow under elm tree in Amarillo TX May 01, 2014 I have a large elm tree and I can't get seem to get anything to grow under it. I was wondering if there are any shade-loving groundcovers that you would recommend (have tried English Ivy, hostas, an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Roses for Austin soil May 01, 2014 What roses would work in the soil near Lake Austin Spa? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Problems with non-native Banana Shrub from Houston May 01, 2014 My 7' beloved Banana Shrub (magnolia) has white dots on top of the leaves and nasty black stuff covering the backside of the leaves. The plant is dropping leaves. What can I do to save it? I has bee... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Growth rate of non-native Asclepias curassavica April 29, 2014 As a volunteer at the National Butterfly center, I wonder how long from starting the seeds until the plant reaches approximately 20 cm tall does it take a tropical milkweed (asclepias curassavica) to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native, invasive mimosa trees in Vincennes IN April 29, 2014 I have 3 Mimosa trees here in Vincennes, Indiana and so far none of them are leafing out this spring (4-28-14) Do you think that this past winter could have killed then? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Blossom end rot on non-native tomatoes from Newport RI April 25, 2014 Can epsom salt or eggshells end blossom end rot on tomatoes? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant Identification from Honolulu HI April 24, 2014 We have a ground cover in our Honolulu garden that I have been told is Watermelon Plant. (Not the fruit). We would like more, but cannot find it or the proper name for it. Aprox. 6" round leaf. It... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Help for a Transplanted Bougainvillea April 22, 2014 I recently planted a bougainvillea in our south-facing front yard. While planting it, we inadvertently severed a large portion of the root system from the plant. What, if anything, can we do to help... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native invasive carrot wood tree losing leaves in Alpine CA April 22, 2014 My carrot wood tree is losing all of its leaves. The tree is about 15foot high & 13 years old. Could it be gophers? The tree was trimmed 1 year ago. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Control of non-native invasive Japanese Barberry from Enfield NH April 22, 2014 I recently bought a home that is bordered by woods and a sizable area of invasive Japanese Barberry growing on a steep hill in and around a stone wall making it that much harder to dig up. I've alway... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade tolerant plants for privacy from Larchmont NY April 19, 2014 Love your site! We have a 4'x4'x50' stone wall, full sun, with a planting bed 30"H by 24"D. We're looking for privacy, so a hedge with pruning is needed. We have looked at Ilex Crenata (8'),... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Deer resistance of non-native Leyland Cypress from Kerrville TX April 19, 2014 Are Leyland cypress deer resistant? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ivy a suitable ground cover in Live Oaks from Gulfport MS April 17, 2014 Will Ivy be a safe and suitable ground cover for old growth Live Oak trees in coastal Mississippi? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Lists of medicinal plants from New York City April 11, 2014 Do you know any resources for lists of medicinal plants native to New York? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Replacing St. Augustine grass from Dallas TX April 10, 2014 Dear Mr. Pants, we are replacing dying St. Augustine grass in a small, sunny back yard with ground cover. What are your recommendations for a drought-tolerant evergreen ground cover? We will till a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Dying foliage on non-native Otto Luyken Laurel from Georgetown KY April 09, 2014 I have 5 luken laurel scrubs planted around foundation. They have done very well until this last winter..the foilage is now brown and crispy. Will they come back? Do I need to prune back the damage... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting Mountain Laurel grown from seeds in Argentina April 09, 2014 Hello, I was transferred to Cordoba, Argentina 2 years ago from San Antonio, the climate hereis similar to S. TX, anyway I brought some mountain laurel seeds with me and they have been in 2 gallon pot... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant mistakes from Cedar Park, TX April 09, 2014 At our "Wilts End" in Cedar Park, TX. and are looking for a tall shrub/tree that will hide a 6-ft tall concrete wall and muffle the noise from a busy street. The wall forms a very wide-angled V shap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Diseased non-native red tip photinias from Richmond VA April 08, 2014 Our red tip trees have a while substance on the bark at the base of each tree..look like some kind of fungus or mold, but we don't know how to get rid of it. Please help. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mosquito problem from Mesa AZ April 07, 2014 We have a mosquito problem in our backyard, I think they're grass Mosquitos. I wanted to get lemongrass for a deterrent but both nurseries were out so I opted for rosemary. They're ALL OVER the rose... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Grafting different colors of Tecoma from Casa Grand AZ April 01, 2014 Is it possible to graft different colors of tecoma and if yes, is the process same as process for grafting roses? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Pruning of non-native oxblood lilies from Austin March 27, 2014 My Oxblood Lilies flowered quite late last Fall. Their foliage is still very green. Can I cut it down now or do I have to wait until it goes brown? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC March 27, 2014 https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827 This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How many Bamboo species are native to North Carolina? one March 27, 2014 I would like to know how many bamboo plants are native to North Carolina? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why is Common Horehound missing from NPIN? March 27, 2014 Hi there, I am not able to find Marrubium vulgare, i.e. Common or White Horehound, in the Native Plant Database. It grows abundantly on our ranch in Central Texas, and I am attempting to grow i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Eliminating kudzu from Richmond KY March 26, 2014 I live in Richmond KY, Kirksville area. I have noticed that Kudzu has started to grow in my patch of land next to the creek. How can I get rid of this before it becomes a big problem? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Type of clumping bamboo for outdoor planters from Plano TX March 25, 2014 What type of clumping bamboo can be grown outdoors in planters in Dallas,TX? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native turf grass for Austin March 24, 2014 I am installing a xeriscape landscape in my yard. It will be in full sun and I am looking for an alternative to turf, such as monkey grass. However, I am concerned about the light. Suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower Center work on non-native, invasive Bastard Cabbage from Austin March 20, 2014 Still have cabbage weeds that infiltrated Austin awhile back. How did Wildflower Center resolve it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Getting rid of non-native, invasive English Ivy from Davidsonville MD March 19, 2014 Just moved and need to rid the well established Ivy planted on the steep slope area around the back and side of the house as it is taking over the bushes on the top and trees in forested area at botto... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| When will non-native Confederate Jasmine bloom in Austin March 03, 2014 I have 2 large Confederate Jasmine plants growing in 3 gallon pots on either side of an arbor I built for my friends wedding. The wedding is in 1 month and I'm wondering if this jasmine typically bl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Sheet mulching before planting Habiturf from Grand Prairie, TX March 03, 2014 Have you tried sheet mulching as a bed prep and to kill bermuda grass before planting habituff? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Damage to Yucca rostrata from Nottingham, England February 26, 2014 Hi, I have a yucca rostrata which has had its head snapped off in high winds (we live in Nottingham, England) we have left the trunk in the ground, will this re grow?? What is the best thing to do wit... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Mimosa pudica poisonous from Janesville WI February 21, 2014 I have just recently learned of Mimosa Pudica also known as the sensitive plant. I see using the USDA website that it can be found in the USA so I think that covers the North America aspect. I have b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant identification February 20, 2014 I'm not sure of county of origin. It was given to me by someone I no longer have contact with. When I initially received it I thought it was just a small potted vine of some type. I've had it a yea... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Invasive thistles in wildflower field from Dripping Springs TX February 17, 2014 How to get rid of "native" thistles.. I have a large natural field that used to grow a variety of wildflowers, but in 2011 and 2012 it was taken over by thistles. I'm sure they are "native" Texas... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is non-native mascagnia macroptera poisonous to animals from Hockley TX February 17, 2014 Is Mascagmia macroptra (Butterfly Vine) poisonous to animals (horses and dogs)? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native eleagnus from Jesup GA January 17, 2014 An elderly farmer has told me about a plant called Alley Agnes, but I can't find any plant by this name anywhere. He doesn't know another name for it, says it's what everyone has always called it i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Help with non-native plants in California January 14, 2014 I am growing some beads of pearl in my front yard in front of a pepper tree that has been around for over 150 years. My question is what can I do to get my beads of pearl to grow without cutting down ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with non-native citrus trees from Mesa AZ January 13, 2014 We have one valencia orange tree and one naval orange tree in our Mesa, AZ yard. Just noticed some oranges on both trees have a 1/4 inch diameter hole through the skin and the orange fruit and skin a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant identification of bamboo-like plant in California January 10, 2014 We just bought a house in Cambria, CA. The plant I'd like to ID grows like bamboo -- spreading fibrous stalks abt 6' high with beautiful orange blossoms that protrude out the top of the stalk. The... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Use of non-native pothos for outside wall from Las Vegas NV January 05, 2014 I am in Las Vegas, NV. I live in a cottage-style apartment so I have a north facing porch with no one on the west so I get some there (and have an inherited cactus probably a yard all round) I would ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Thoughts on non-native Italian Cypress in Austin January 01, 2014 I would like to know your thoughts on growing Italian Cypress trees in Austin Texas? We are looking to create a privacy screen(and prepared to pay more for mature trees to cut down the wait to grow... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identity of mystery plant in non-native commercial forage mix December 17, 2013 Dear Smart One, I use a commercially prepared, fortified, chopped forage based on a mix of orchard and Timothy grasses. The bags are shipped in from out of State. However, I have been finding short s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Advisability of growing Silybum marianum (Milk thistle) November 26, 2013 I just received a load of clay-mix-dirt - and after our recent rains noticed the pile sprouting what looks like "Milk Thistle." Lots of them. The leaves are spiny and variegated - quite pretty. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Wintering non-native liriope spicata indoors in Chillicothe IL November 08, 2013 I live in zone 5, zip 62523, wintering liriope spicata starter plants in basement, ambient consistent. Do I need grow lamps or is the plant satisfied being dormant as long as I do not let it dry out? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for church gardens in Ft. Worth TX November 07, 2013 Second attempt. Our church has many gardens in Fort Worth, TX. There are gardens for blue,red,yellow,white,purple,orange,pink,mixed,community garden,roses, and more. I am interested in the la... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Rose bush varieties and time to plant from Hutto TX October 31, 2013 What rose bush varieties are recommended for the Hutto Texas area and what time of year is the best time to plant into ground? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| Do white-tailed deer consume King Ranch bluestem? October 25, 2013 Will white-tail deer in central Texas consume King Ranch bluestem ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flying insects eating leaves of non-native Brugmansia in Aline CA October 17, 2013 I have an Angel Trumpet tree. We live in Aline, California 30 miles east of San Diego. Little yellow and black flying bugs eat the leaves. Do you have a remedy for this problem. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Sprout from a non-native sago palm in Poinciana FL October 16, 2013 I have two mature (10 years old)sago palms. One of them sprouted a new "head' at the top of the trunk. It is competing with the original one. It is not a pup coming from the root area. Can I cut it ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Correction of tree name from Bay Point CA October 16, 2013 The tree should of been Mulberry don't know how it was changed!! Tuesday - October 15, 2013 From: Bay Point, CA Region: California Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents, Trees Title: Non-... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native alternative to tulips from Milford MI October 15, 2013 What could be a good alternative to tulips? I have not seen a native plant quite like a tulip (except a tulip tree). A good alternative should bloom in April or May and have showy flowers. I searched... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Comment on previous answer from Austin October 15, 2013 Ms Bradford, You just answered my question about St. Augustine grass.. actually, you didn't answer it.. You said "sorry, wrong number". Very funny. I think you misunderstood... I would rather no... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Questions on non-native St. Augustine from Austin October 15, 2013 I have St. Augustine grass in my yard. I am having work done in my yard soon, which will require new sod. I know the St. Augustine has to take root in the ground before the first freeze, to assure t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native jade plants and spider plants beneath Mayberry tree in Bay Point CA October 15, 2013 I have a fruitless Mayberry in my back yard that's about 50/50' can I plant jade and spider plants under it? The tree is very healthy. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with non-native photinia in Austin October 07, 2013 Hi, I live in Cedar Park, TX (Austin Suburb)and have planted a number of Photinia shrubs in various areas of my property. All about 10 months old. The leaves are curling along their length on many... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with non-native St. Augustine lawn from Austin October 06, 2013 We have St. Augustine in our front lawn. There are some patches where the grass has entirely died but mixed in with the dead areas are little clumps of living grass. It seems to be spreading througho... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native grasses for golf courses from Austin October 06, 2013 I may be working on two different golf courses and wanted to know if any native or hybrid native grasses would work for the fairways and rough areas? The rough areas are no problem as a number of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Wrapping a newly planted non-native Japanese maple from Fraser MI October 01, 2013 Does a newly planted Japanese maple need to be wrapped in burlap for the cold and snowy winter of Macomb County, Michigan? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Distribution vs. Native Distribution in NPIN? September 27, 2013 I'm a Habitat Steward in Austin and conducting a native plant swap tomorrow, 9/28/13. I need to be able to tell people who come whether their plant is native or not. I want to use your smart phone ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Removal of non-native zoysia grass from Burgettstown PA September 12, 2013 What is the most effective method of killing zoysia grass? We bought a house that sits in the center of four acres of mature zoysia. It looks beautiful, however, despite our best efforts at "weeding... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation of poinsettias in water from Houston September 06, 2013 Pointsettias - we have a broken branch that is thriving in a jar of water with new leaves and additional small branches. When we plant the stem in dirt and even a muck, the growth starts to wither. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Problems with non-native Chinaberry tree from Tucson AZ September 05, 2013 I have a 30+ year old Chinaberry tree and this year the branches are much sparser with leaves and there are a lot of small dead branches. Should I fertilize and what should I use? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| What are the differences between Arbutus xalapensis, A. unedo and A. marina August 29, 2013 One nursery lists madrone trees as arbutus uneda compacta and arbutus marina. The other lists it as arbutus xalapensis, which is the only name I can find in the data base. There is a very large pric... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting wildflowers from Wichita Falls, TX August 24, 2013 Hi, Thanks so much for the answers you give! You've been very helpful to me in the past. I have two quick questions: 1) I have been harvesting seeds from my wildflowers. I wonder when the best time... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Does non-native Crown of Thorns cause cancer? August 24, 2013 Does the plant, Corona De Cristo (Crown of thorns) cause cancer? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shriveling agave from Miami Florida August 23, 2013 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Most upset - My beautiful agave (wish I could have submitted an image) has stared to misbehave. The once first liquid filled leaves, are starting to look more like the skin ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant ID of invasive vine from Austin August 21, 2013 A friend lives in southwest Austin and has a vine that's coming up all over her yard. I am a Williamson County Master Gardener and have asked all the garden gurus in my group what it is from a photo ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native Japanese maple for East Northport NY August 20, 2013 I live in NY and I am looking to plant a Japanese maple in front of my house. It would be in front of a window so I'm thinking should I get a dwarf? Or a semi dwarf? I know I want a red color but un... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Rose care for Austin August 18, 2013 I am a transplant from the Pacific NW and need to relearn rose care for Austin. When is the best time to cut back the roses, or do I even bother? I also need to find out how far back I can trimming a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Has Texas Black Persimmon been crossed with non-native persimmons from Austin August 17, 2013 Hi. I just found a Texas Black Persimmon in my neighborhood. The fruit is olive green and then black, then it explodes into a black slurry of seeds and syrup. The color is so strong I find myself wond... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Arborvitae for house plant from Austin August 15, 2013 I am a Northerner transplanted to Austin, TX. While I love Austin it feels like many of the plants & trees I came to love up north won't grow here at all. Could I grow an arborvitae in my home as a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of tree bought from a magazine ad August 11, 2013 I recently submitted the following question to Ask An Expert. They were unable to identify the plant. I hope you will be able to. Can you help me by either identifying this plant or advising me a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possible maple scale on non-native mophead hydrangeas from Newport RI August 07, 2013 I have a mophead hydrangea that has small white cottony tufts under the leaves and on the stems. I believe this is maple scale. Is there a home remedy I can use to rid this disease? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Problems with non-native, invasive Japanese Privet from Peoria AZ July 31, 2013 I have Japanese Privit bushes. one out of 6 has started to grow very small leaves and does not look healthy. Moon Valley told me shortage of zinc, but that has not helped in 3 months. What can I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a nursing home resident from LaQuinta CA July 26, 2013 I take care of an elderly woman with dementia. She is in a nursing home and she's always LOVES flowers and plants. Do you have any suggestions for potted outdoor blooming plants for the summer in... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| A cactus-like plant with stinky flowers July 22, 2013 Because of the green parts looking like certain cacti, a friend insists that this plant she saw in Mexico is one. Its blossom doesn't have the rose-like structure that cacti have, but resembles the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native St. Augustine grass failing for 5 years in Houston July 21, 2013 My townhome in Houston has a mid-size backyard, which receives full sun for much of the day. I've re-sodded with St. Augustine for 5 consecutive summers, but it consistently dies over time (proper fe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Red pods on Canna Lilies from Windsor VA July 21, 2013 What are the dark red pods on my canna lilies? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Are non-native hostas causing fly invasion from Eastpointe MI July 14, 2013 I live in Michigan with a small backyard. I have 5 large hostas with the purple flower blooms which are located by my patio. I was wondering if they can be causing my large population of unwanted flie... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native Royal Empress tree with only green leaves from Chambersburg PA July 12, 2013 I have 3 Royal Empress trees in my yard that are between 2-4 yrs old and have never been any color other then big Green leaves. Do you know when they will turn Purple? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native zoysia and bermuda grasses in Austin July 11, 2013 We have Bermuda grass in the front and Zoysia in the back yards. The back grass is fine but the front yard Bermuda isn't. We have watered once each week during the spring and during the past 3 weeks... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Support for non-native, invasive Nandina Domestica from San Antonio, TX July 09, 2013 I consider nandina domestica to be a perfect plant for San Antonio, but see that it is on the list of invasive plants for surrounding eco-areas. How should I respond regarding one of my favorite land... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tree with taproot for Jodhpur India July 05, 2013 I am a resident of India. I need information of a tree with tap roots to grow in my backyard. We have moderate to hot climate here. It needs to be as small as possible due to lack of space. It'd be g... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Sucissa pratensis (Devil's bit scabious) allelopathic? July 04, 2013 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center pointed me to you. Can you comment on Devil's Bit Scabious? A neighbor pointed out these volunteer plants in my yard and wants me to kill them. He called them Devi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with non-native weeping willow from Hazlet NJ July 03, 2013 Leaves turning yellow on weeping willow planted in May. What causes this and how can I fix it? Mother's Day gift after SANDY uprooted huge tree. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native Sago palm roots damaging house foundation from Keystone Heights FL July 03, 2013 Will sago palms roots hurt a house's foundation if too close? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Non-flowering plants in Scottsdale AZ July 01, 2013 I have three plants that are supposed to do well in Arizona but mine are not flowering. The yellow bells and orange jubilee I have get full sun, drip watered 3 x a week for 1 1/2 hrs (at 4am) and are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Growing non-native Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Central Texas July 01, 2013 Hi. I recently moved into a remodeled home in Taylor, TX, and have experimented with Cabernet Savignon vines before. I have a 1/2 acre and a chain-link fence I want to put vines on. (I have a book o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is a mulberry tree undesirable? June 27, 2013 I have a hard time keeping plants alive, so I was happy when a random plant just started growing and thriving about 5 years ago in my yard. My mom (a frequent volunteer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildf... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Pruning non-native Chinese fringe flower from Austin June 24, 2013 When is the best time of year to prune Plum Delight? And how severely can it be cut back? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Forget-me-nots choking a spring in Bethlehem PA June 20, 2013 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I am restoring a native plant area along a spring that feeds directly into our local creek. Right now the spring is becoming choked with forget-me-nots, that I am trying ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Lily plants being chewed from Austin June 20, 2013 Something is chewing my lily plants to the ground. Any ideas what and do I stop them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| White specks on unknown houseplant from Ridgeway SC June 20, 2013 I have an unknown houseplant that seems to have some sort of pest or disease on it. It has white snowy specks atop its leaf. I bought this purple fuzzy leafed houseplant from Walmart in Winnsboro, SC ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Waxy deposits on Magnolia fuscata from Ethel LA June 18, 2013 I have a 4yr old Magnolia Fascata (aka banana shrub)- I noticed that it has small oval shaped yellow waxy deposits on the branches.. I have also noticed small black ants on the branches. The unknown d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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