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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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 - July 12, 2009
From: Atlanta, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Potted non-native mimosas in the U.S.
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We need I hope there is someone who could tell me where I could find potted mimosa plants in the US.ANSWER:
We answered this question from someone giving the same name and e-mail as you on July 10.
"First, let's talk about Albizia julibrissin, Mimosa. We would not recommend this tree anyway, because it is non-native to North America. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center supports the use, protection and propagation of plants native to North America and to the area in which they are being grown, because they will need less water, fertilizer and maintenance. The Mimosa is a weak-wooded, short-lived tree, considered an invasive weed, and actually outlawed in many urban areas because of its tendency to spread into and take over other areas. We have lists of suppliers in all parts of the country, but they are all on our list because they supply native plants. Even if this were a native plant, we would have no way of knowing what the prices would be as we do not sell plants except twice at year at Plant Sales, which are, of course, all plants native to Central Texas and sold only on-site.
Our suggestion is that you contact large commercial nurseries in the New Orleans area."
More Non-Natives Questions
Planting non-native peach seed from Archdale NC
September 13, 2010 - Planting and watering peach seeds. Can you give advice for my 12 year old who has recently planted some peach seeds in our yard in Archdale NC? Is the fall okay for planting? Watering instructions? I...
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Native and non-native Wandering Jew and Four o Clocks
October 10, 2005 - I am looking for information on 2 separate plants in my yard. The names that people have given me on what they are is as follows:
Wondering Jew
Four O'Clock
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Slow growing, non-native Viburnum sandanqua in Deland FL
April 05, 2010 - Hi. I live in central FL, and planted sandankwa viburnum as a hedge 3 years ago. I was told they would grow quickly, but they are growing very slowly, although they look healthy with deep green leaves...
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Care for non-native cat palm
November 18, 2010 - Purchased 3 new cataractarum palms-3ft. high for indoors--how can I know when to water or how often?? I am from Canada & in Naples Florida for 6 months--I am a novice to these plants
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Advocacy of non-native plants.
December 10, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Instead of asking a question, I would like to comment on the seemingly discouraging tone on growing plants or trees out of their native habitat that I have observed from rea...
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