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)
Sunday - May 19, 2013
From: Fredericksburg, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Pests, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Problems with Gregg's mistflower from Fredericksburg, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Something is wilting the tops of my Gregg's mistflower, Conoclinium greggii. I cannot see bugs on the plant, so I am wondering if it's a disease. The problem is widespread to three separate stands of the plant. I am hoping to hear that others who have had a similar issue know how to correct this problem on what has generally been a problem-free plant. Thank.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is not a forum but a team of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower volunteers who answer questions on plants native to North America and to the area in which those plants evolved. We did search in our Previously Answered Questions to see if we had any similar comments on Conoclinium greggii (Gregg's mistflower). We found this previous question that addressed a similar problem. You will note from this USDA Plant Profile Map that it is native only to Hudspeth County, deep in West Texas and about a half a state away from Gillespie County. That doesn't mean it won't grow in Centtral Texas, certainly it does, but it is basically a desert plant and requires very good drainage iin the soil. From our webpage on this plant:
"Native Distribution: W. TX to s.e. AZ & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Frequent along stream beds and overflow areas in the Trans-Pecos, east to Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains. Sand, loam, clay or limestone. Seasonally flooded stream beds; plains; overflow areas"
We would first suggest you take another look at the blooms with the possibility of whiteflies on the blooms, as discussed in our previously answered question above. Also, make sure the roots of your plant are not standing in soggy soil, and particularly that you are not sprinkling it from above.
From the Image Gallery
More Pests Questions
Defenses against imported red leaf beetles on lilies
August 06, 2007 - I've recently discovered small red beetles of some kind on my lilies, which they are happily devouring. I've been picking them off with my fingers and squashing them, but I'd like a better alterna...
view the full question and answer
Japanese beetles in Port Monmouth, NJ
April 08, 2009 - I have searched your web-site in the hopes of not repeating or bothering you with a question not in your field. I am hoping you can help me. I live in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. Last year many of my ...
view the full question and answer
Need help with powdery mildew and mites in Bastrop, TX
July 26, 2011 - I tend to flower beds for the city. I have noticed a powdery mildew in 2 beds. It is on the Pavonia and Turks caps. I now notice mites. What should I do?
view the full question and answer
Orange eggs on milkweed plants
October 18, 2012 - Hello
I have milk weed in my flower garden. Every year I find small orange 'eggs' on the leaves and stems of the plant.
I don't think these are the monarch eggs, but not sure if they are other...
view the full question and answer
Tulip trees losing bark in OH
July 11, 2011 - We have two tulip trees in our yard that are losing their bark at the base of the trunk. I am careful with the mower keeping away from the tree when I mow. What could the problem be and what can I d...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |