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.
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_40.gif)
Friday - May 08, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: What to do about bastard cabbage in the Austin area?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I am noticing bastard cabbage taking over roadsides and medians at an alarming rate where a mixture of native flowers used to bloom. Is it allowable to organize efforts to pull the invasive plants out along public roads? Or does the State of Texas have any plans to address this invasive plant that is elbowing out bluebonnets, paintbrush, etc.?ANSWER:
Lots of folks are dismayed by the invasion of this obnoxious plant into the Hill Country, but the State of Texas has problems probably more pressing than bastard cabbage.
Here is a link to an article from the May issue of “Wildflower Wire” that tells what the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center is doing about it. In the article, Dr. Simmons suggests that pulling up the pest is one way to address the problem, and this is where you come in.
You are probably familiar with the Adopt-A-Highway Program that was established by TXDOT to combat the litter problem along Texas roadways. If people can organize groups to pick up litter, it seems to Mr. Smarty Plants that they can organize groups to pull up bastard cabbage. This link to TEXDOT contains “Adopt-A-Highway Participation Guidelines”. Maybe you can form a group that does both; pick up litter as well as pull up bastard cabbage.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Identity of Dwarf Oyster Plant.
June 02, 2009 - I purchased a plant from the local Home Depot, and it said on the sticker in was a Dwarf Oyster Plant. I can't seem to find any information on that name, so maybe it was marked wrong. See if you ca...
view the full question and answer
Removal, spread of native mistletoe
January 24, 2009 - My neighbor has a lot of mistletoe growing in a tree in her front yard. I have a tree in my yard that has mistletoe in it. Each winter I have the plant removed so birds won't spread it around. Do you...
view the full question and answer
Native plants to go between patio stones in Oceanside CA
February 24, 2010 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I live in Oceanside CA about 5 mi from the coast and have an about 20' sq private patio with "issues". Patio has with flagstones, one side all sun all day, middle area part...
view the full question and answer
Dwarf oyster plant dying in Sunrise FL
July 06, 2012 - WHAT WOULD BE KILLING MY DWARF OYSTER PLANTS
view the full question and answer
Horsetail Rush invasive in Santa Monica CA
January 16, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants:
I live about 3 miles from the beach in the Santa Monica area and have an 18inch deep planter area in my backyard that is adjacent to my garage. I like the look of horsetail rush. I...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |