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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might 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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Questions From Near You

Portal, AZ
Can two species of Muhlenbergia be cross-pollinated from Portal AZ
Will Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Big Muhly) cross-pollinate with Muhlenbergia porteri (Bush Muhly)? I am attempting to restore the grasslands on my private property to a pre-1900 state. Bush Muhly was a...
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Pearce, AZ
Deer resistance of Calylophus berlandieri
Is Calylophus drummondii deer resistant? We have a lot of mule deer in se Arizona? Thanks in advance for your advice.
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Naco, AZ
Problems with Arizona Ash from Naco AZ
Hi Mr. Smarty.. Live in southeast corner of Az. My Az. Ash is diseased. Just noticed leaves are curled, (still green) and when I open the leaf it has a zillion little white, what look like mites ...
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Benson, AZ
Chlorotic Texas Mountain Laurel in Benson, Arizona
I've planted a Texas Mountain Laurel in heavy clay soil in Arizona. It's been in place for 3 years and flowers each spring. However it's leaves are a shade of medium, yellowish green nothing like t...
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Benson, AZ
Euphorbia 'Cherokee' leaves drying from Benson AZ
I have a Euphorbia 'Cherokee' in a pot and has been growing nicely but some of the leaves are turning red and drying up and falling off. Is this normal for this plant?
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Huachuca City, AZ
Do flowers on century plants grow century plants from Huachuca City AZ
The flowers on century plants: can they "grow" century plants?
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Sierra Vista, AZ
Why is Asphodelus fistulosus (onionweed) forbidden by property owners assoications?
Our local property owners association is imploring us to remove all onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus L.). The USDA lists it as a noxious weed. Why? I think it is pretty and flowery. Is it poison...
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Sierra Vista, AZ
Tree for caliche soil in Cochise County, Arizona
What trees will thrive in areas of moderate caliche soil in southeast Arizona? My property is at 4,200 feet of elevation. Thanks for your help
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Sierra Vista, AZ
Pink wildflowers on DFW runways in April-June
I fly thru DFW quite often and have noticed in April-June timeframe the runways are dotted with a light pink colored wildflower. Have asked the DFW Customer Service folks for the name, ones I've ask...
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Vail, AZ
Gregg's mistflower in pot from Vail AZ
I recently bought a Gregg's Mist plant and don't know much about it. I live in Arizona and was wondering how well the plant will do if I plant it in a large ceramic pot? Will it continue to grow? ...
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Tucson , AZ
Life expectancy of Desert Willow in Tucson, AZ
What is the life expectancy of a Chilopsis linearis under ideal circumstances.
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Tucson , AZ
Failure to thrive of non-native Confederate Jasmine in Tucson AZ
My Star/Confederate Jasmine, a 30 foot long wall of it, for over 5 years now has one side of it losing leaves. I seem to remember it did this one other summer, but came back in?? What could be the pr...
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Tucson, AZ
Male and Female Rhus virens Differences?
I would like to plant a Rhus virens in my yard to attract birds. I want to make sure I get a female plant so there will be berries. How can I tell a male from a female plant?
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Tucson, AZ
Shade trees for Tucson AZ
I need to plant some "fast growing" trees or shrubs on my southwest yard in order to reduce the heat in my bedroom. What do you suggest? I live in Tucson, Arizona. Thank you in advance. I'm...
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Tucson, AZ
Disappearance of leaves on desert willow in Tucson AZ
We have a Lois Adams Desert Willow (Tucson, Az). The leaves will pump out and then a day or so later, all of the leaves are gone. The only bugs we've seen on it are very, very small ants. Could this ...
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with Texas wild olive tree in Tucson
Planted a Texas Olive tree in Tucson, Az. Some of the leaves are kind of yellow. It gets part sun and part shade and is growing. Is this due to too much water, not enough water or does it need somet...
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Tucson, AZ
Native Plant for a Sunny South-facing House Wall in Tucson
I have a problematic block wall on the south side of the house and I what a plant to soften the look of the wall. I tried butterfly bush which I'm told died from of bounce-back heat from the wall. I ...
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Tucson, AZ
Failure to thrive of Tex-ash in Tucson AZ
I planted a mature (15') Tex-Ash about a year ago. Lately more and more leaves seem to be browning and it has never filled out. I am concerned I am going to lose it if I don't get it something befor...
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Tucson, AZ
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant? Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant? I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant. Tha...
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Tucson, AZ
Source for Texas Olive Tree from Tucson AZ
Can one start a Texas Olive Tree from the olives it produces? How can you start one. I am having difficulty finding a nursery, but do see the trees around.
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Tucson, AZ
Seven foot privacy fence in Tucson
I am looking for a privacy hedge for a home in Tucson, Arizona that will be in full sun. Needs to be at least seven foot tall and low water and maintenance. Any suggestions.
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