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_43.gif)
Sunday - March 14, 2004
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: User Comments, Wildflower Center
Title: Why use native plants
Answered by: Sage Kawecki
QUESTION:
Why use native plants?ANSWER:
Native plants provide an essential role in the environment including economic benefits from reduced energy costs, water and maintenance; ecological benefits including enhancing ecosystem stability and reducing chemical use; and aesthetic benefits through the beauty and regional natural heritage they provide.
More User Comments Questions
Kudos for Barbara Medford's answer
November 05, 2014 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants (say, should it not be Ms!),
No question, just a correction. Please correct my rating from 3 to 5 stars for Barbara Medford's response regarding impatiens, dated Dec. 8, 2007...
view the full question and answer
Plants native to Virginia
September 07, 2008 - I would like to know what websites you would recommend for information about plants native to Virginia. Glad to have found Mr. Smarty Plants, it will be tops on my Favorites list. Thanks for your t...
view the full question and answer
Chile Pequin growing well in Charleston SC
January 28, 2013 - Not really a question. I have successfully grown from seed Chile Pequins I picked up in Texas here in Charleston Sc. They are so hardy they come back from their stalks each year and sprout from seeds ...
view the full question and answer
Another plant with ice plant as the common name from Corpus Christi
June 17, 2010 - This is not a question, but your "ice plant" answer to El Cajon did not consider Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, which I believe is the common roadside succulent that ate California. God have mercy ...
view the full question and answer
Links to geographical zones
February 06, 2006 - A link page to similar sites would be helpful. Rather than 8 "geographical zones" how about by real zones; I live in California at 8000 feet. I know I can use the Rocky Mt. Zone to a degree, but al...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |