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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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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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Sunday - October 07, 2007

From: NEW PORT RICHEY , FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Cottage pink
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the flower cottage pink?

ANSWER:

Dianthus plumarius is the scientific name for the "cottage pink." Go to the link for more information and an excellent picture. While it is native to Eastern Europe and Asia, it is widely grown in the United States. It has naturalized in Great Britain where it is an old-fashioned favorite. The USDA Plant Profile for this plant does not show it as distributed in Florida. However, Dianthus plumarius is shown as growing in Mississippi and North Carolina, so it would appear feasible that it could grow in Florida.
 

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