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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| topic | question | |
| Identification of Texas bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum) June 27, 2006 Very recently on the 6 o'clock news there was a report about The Center joining UT. There was a picture of a large, purple lily-like/trumpet flower with a yellow pistil. I recall my Grandmother call... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Manor, TX in Blackland Prairie ecoregion June 27, 2006 Hi, I am planning an event for my community in Shadowglen and Manor, TX so my neighbors can learn about using native plants in the landscape to create healthier habitat for wildlife and be more respon... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wild onions and garlic in Genus Allium June 25, 2006 My husband and I found a strange bulb like plant that when broken open it smells and tastes like strong onion or garlic. The heads are at the top of the plant though not at the root base like most wil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bitterness in cucumbers June 24, 2006 Bitter Cukes: We have a question about Burpless Burpee cucumbers. We've planted them with success several years in a row in our Austin backyard. This year, although the cucumbers look fine, they a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning of Hamelia patens, Firebush June 23, 2006 I have a Hamelia Patens (Fire Bush) it says it will grow to 12 feet high and 5-6 feet across. Can I keep pruning it to about 5 feet without damaging the shrub? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Use of native grasses as erosion control in Austin, TX June 20, 2006 We're in Austin, TX and trying to keep our neighborhood lot as natural as possible; however, our lot is eroding and depositing mud and dirt onto the sidewalk whenever it rains. We're looking for an ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possible reasons for yellowing leaves in seedlings in Ohio June 19, 2006 I have a problem with my seedlings. They start yellowing of one leaf then die. When I remove the leaf another one starts. I have photos. I have two differant seedling plants and they are experiencing... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pictures and information on Scutellaris laterifolia, Blue Skullcap June 19, 2006 I am trying to find information on Scutellaria laterifolia (skullcap), of the plant family "labiatea". Do you have any info or pictures? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for shady small spaces in Houston, TX June 18, 2006 What are the best plants and flowers to plant in small spaces in an urban area in Houston, Texas? I have several flower beds that are 3 foot wide and 10-12 foot long that get half day sun. The area... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possible identification of plant purchased at Wildflower Center June 17, 2006 Hi - I'm looking for the name of a plant I bought at the Wildflower Center. It's currently in a gallon container and about 8 inches high. The leaves are green (on the yellow end of the spectrum), ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possibility of Oenothera flava growing in Michigan June 16, 2006 Oenothera flava (A. Nels) Garrett, is it true that this plant is not in Michigan? Is it rare or something? Because I had a hard time trying to find out what it was. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Epiphyte growing on oak trees in Wildflower Center June 16, 2006 Thank you for your response to my question on what is the epiphyte growing on oak trees. I should have been more specific to say " the epiphyte growing on the oak trees around Lady Bird Johnson wi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fast growing native trees for Austin June 15, 2006 What are your suggestions for a fast growing native tree that will do well in the clay soils of North Central Austin? I just had a 30 foot hackberry tree fall and would like to restore some shade to m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting Mustang Grapes June 15, 2006 What is the best way to grow mustang grapes? We have vines established over the property but up too high to continue to harvest and a couple of young vines on the ground that haven't reached the clo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Name of epiphyte growing on oak trees June 15, 2006 Please tell me what the epiphyte growing on the oak trees is. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native, invasive Arctium minus in New York June 13, 2006 For as long as I can remember, my family has been picking and eating a wild plant which we and other Italian families call " cardoons". I've often heard to it referred to burdock but no one knows t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possibility of growing Smilax pumila (Wild Sarsaparilla Vine in Virginia June 13, 2006 Hello, I am inquiring about a plant my grandmother keeps telling me about. It's called sarasee (sp?). It's supposed to have some medicinal properties like helping with a cold and things of that nat... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplant of non-native Lathyrus tuberosus in North Carolina June 13, 2006 I have a tuberous sweetpea vine that grows wild on our property. When would be a good time to move this plant to a better location? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for shade native to New York June 13, 2006 I am gradually trying to convert my garden to all natives. I am working in a shaded area under a maple tree. Are there any varieties of epimediums/barrenwort or hellebores that are native to the nor... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for water garden in Garland, TX June 13, 2006 Hello, I was interested in creating a water garden-koi pond in the landscaping and was interested to know what plants you would suggest for this usage that would be perennial? Furthermore I was intere... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native, non-invasive plant seeds for each region in U.S. June 09, 2006 I need to identify a wildflower from each region that we can package in custom packaging to use as giveaways at our member zoos and aquariums. Our project this year is called Conservation Made Simple... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants adding calcium to soil June 08, 2006 Hi, I am looking for a resource to help determine the functions of native plants. For instance, nitrogen fixing can be found in Indigo, Lead plant, lupines. Are there other plants that add back cal... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native Texas Hill Country nitrogen-fixing plants June 07, 2006 Please help me find a listing of native (TX Hill Country) nitrogen-fixing plants. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Diagnosis of problems with Texas ash June 07, 2006 Our 15 year old Texas ash has less leaf production this year. It also has a small amount of algae on the trunk, and some of the branches have small white spots on it. Also, a few of the branches close... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Boundary plants to control cats June 06, 2006 Is there a plant especially ANNOYING to cats that I could plant along my fence line to keep him away from the street beyond? It would have to be hardy enough for hot temps & full sun. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Elimination of non-native, invasive King Ranch bluestem in lawn June 06, 2006 How can I eliminate an annual infestation of king ranch bluestem in my bermuda lawn? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Best vegetables to grow in San Antonio June 06, 2006 What vegtables are the safest bet for growing in San Antonio? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Invasive definition kalanchoe pinnata June 05, 2006 The plant Kalanchoe pinnata is listed as being invasive. What does that mean? Is it a weed or does it interefere with metropolitan plumbing? (root system) View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of non-native Easter lily, Lilium longiflorum June 03, 2006 I have a white lily that is in a pot and has already bloomed four flowers. will it bloom again? Can I replant this outside right now or what should I do with it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hill Country natives for a hedge June 01, 2006 Can you recommend a "hedge type" bush to use in lieu of a fence along the road in the San Antonio region? My whole back yard is planted with Hill Country natives and I would prefer to keep the the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native host plants for Painted Lady Butterfly June 01, 2006 I am looking for host plants for the Painted Lady Butterfly that I can plant in my school's (I am a teacher) native plant/butterfly garden. As part of the curriculum, each spring the 1st grade raises... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower seeds that drop into a sidewalk crack May 31, 2006 This is an odd question. I'm writing a children's book about a seed that gets dropped in the crack of a sidewalk or driveway and blooms there. Can you tell me if there are any wildflowers that it ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Existence of plant named May 30, 2006 My mother's middle name is Orabelle - "beautiful seacoast." Some variations are "Orabel" and "Ord." Is there a plant that is so named and where might I be able to purchase it? I live in Norf... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting an immature Sweet Bay Magnolia May 30, 2006 Hi Mr. Smarty Pants: I just found what I think is a Magnolia Sweet Bay growing wild next to an oak and a pine tree in my back wooded yard. It has blooms on it and is about 2 feet tall. There are tw... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alder native to Central Indiana May 30, 2006 I am trying to find out whether there exists a plant named Alnus rugosa. I bought a plant recently that said Speckled Alder, Alnus serrulata (rugosa), but have been unable to determine if this is a c... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for wildlife gardening in Illinois May 29, 2006 I live in Rockford, Illinois. Where/How can I find information on native flowers, plants, trees, grasses and animals, and other things I can plant on our property (about an acre) to provide a home fo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Dodder, rootless, leafless, parisitic twining plants May 29, 2006 Hello, I have been studying wildflowers in California for many years. Yesterday I came across a surprise and I am thus far unable to identify it. As it is raining today, I cannot get a photo, but I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Saving or transplanting stand of white trillium that has lost shade May 29, 2006 We have a generous stand of white trillium that has been under the shade of a white oak for many years. Now the 100+ year old oak has died and the trilliums are in the sun. Are we in danger of losin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Economical, low maintenance plants for erosion control on a bank May 29, 2006 Please advise of all species suitable for preventing bank erosion, specifically those that will cover a southern exposure 400 foot long, 15 foot high bank in western North Carolina that grows rapidly ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Height of non-native gardenias May 29, 2006 How tall does a gardenia tree get? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Germination of Passiflora incarnata seeds May 28, 2006 I wish to purchase the Passionflower incarnata plants. I have found seeds, but they say they are very hard to start. I lost my very large vine and wish to replace it. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) in Atlanta May 28, 2006 I live in metro Atlanta. I have a rose variety growing wild in the woods that resembles a Cherokee Rose except it is pink and has seven leaves on the stem. Can you identify it from this description? T... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Protection of Mountain Laurel from Pyralid or Genista moth caterpillars May 28, 2006 I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. Every year it is attacked by caterpillars. They form a bag for lack of a better word on the ends of the branches destroying the blooms for the following year. PLEASE... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants to preserve soil on river bank May 28, 2006 I live in eastern Massachusetts. We have a small stream in our backyard and a woodland area on the other side. Japanese Knotweed is pretty well established on the opposite bank of the stream from our ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native holly (ilex) for Austin area May 28, 2006 Hi--my brother and his family live in Austin, TX--their german shepard "Holly" just died (she was 13)--I was throwing around the idea of sending them a holly plant of some sort to have in honor of H... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Source of seeds for non-native Artemisia pontica May 26, 2006 Hi, I've tried unsuccessfully to find seed for "roman wormwood" "Artemisia Pontica" Do you carry this or do you know a source in the US to get the seed? Much Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting of yucca plants May 26, 2006 We have several Arkansas Yucca plants in our yard that we want to transplant to a plant bed. How do we do that? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Learning to identify wild plants in Michigan May 23, 2006 I am trying to learn more about Michigan wildplants by taking one sample home each time I take my dog on a walk. We walk in fields, woods and wetlands in Ann Arbor. Today I found several Jack-in-the-P... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Sources of Scutellaria drummondii May 21, 2006 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I purchased a purple skullcap, scutellaria drummondii in the Hill Country last year. It has done REALLY well here in Fort Worth and would like more, but cannot locate it anywhe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Natural location of Ceanothus impressus in California May 21, 2006 Where is Ceanothus impressus 'victoria' native? I need as specific as you can. Thanks much. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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