Native Plants
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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.
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.
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Friday - March 25, 2011
From: El Paso, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Water for non-native Sub-Zero ivy in El Paso
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Sub-Zero Ivy: Do they require lots of water - I live El Paso, TX - dry climate. Are they dangerous to dogs? Will they do well as ground cover around a brick patio? - Thanks!ANSWER:
Hedera helix (of which Sub-Zero Ivy is a hybrid) is native to Europe and Western Asia. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native to North America and to the areas in which those plants are being grown. Yes, it requires lots of water and yes, it has toxins that can be dangerous to any animal that ingests them. It will not only cover the ground around a brick patio, it will cover the brick. It might cover the dog if he doesn't keep moving. Please read all about it in this Plant Conservation Alliance Alien Plant Working Group Least Wanted article. Also, check out this article from Dave's Garden on The Invaders: Hedera Helix.
We answer many, many questions from gardeners trying to get rid of invasive plants. The best way to control invasives, especially alien invasives, is to not plant them.
More Non-Natives Questions
Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014 - https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827
This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
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Why is my Weeping Fig crying leaves?
July 27, 2009 - I have a weeping fig that I bought Memorial day in Birmingham, Al. It has 8 or 9 trunks growing altogether. It sits on a porch with eastern exposure, only about 2 hours of sun. It has been losing l...
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Shade tolerant plants for privacy from Larchmont NY
April 19, 2014 - Love your site! We have a 4'x4'x50' stone wall, full sun, with a planting bed 30"H by 24"D. We're looking for privacy, so a hedge with pruning is needed. We have looked at Ilex Crenata (8'),...
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Non-native arica palm
October 21, 2008 - I have been watering an arica palm in my house in Va. Beach, VA. The leaves continue to get brown, dry up and die.
I'm not sure if it has a disease or something else.
Can you help?
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Problems with non-native Indian hawthorn
April 18, 2009 - We have some Indian Hawthorns that were planted for us by a landscape company. The first year we got a little bit of bloom. Since then the shrubs don't bloom at all. They are in a flower bed up aga...
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