Native Plants
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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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.
Questions From Near You
Prescott, AZ
Plant identifcation and wants to know about weeds
My son planted some seeds in pots before he left and I don't know if I am watering weeds/plants??? One plant has green & red (lateral) striped stalks with something on the end that to me from Texas ...
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Prescott, AZ
Are peonies resistant to javelina and deer predation?
Are peonies resistant to javalina and deer predation in Prescott, AZ
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Chino Valley, AZ
What shade trees have non-invasive root systems?
What shade trees have a non-invasive root system? I am in zone 7a. Thank you, Mr. Smarty Plants!
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Chino Valley , AZ
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) for horse pastures
Can Buffalo Grass be used for browse for horse pastures?
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Wickenburg, AZ
Plant identification
I have a plant which has fern like leaves on the top and round broad leaves near the ground. What is it?
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Sedona, AZ
Mediterranean Pines indigenous to Verde Valley AZ
Are the tall, thin Mediterranean/Pencil Pines growing in the Verde Valley in Arizona indigenous to the area? They are so plentiful, but are not identified as an indigenous evergreen. If not, how did...
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Sedona, AZ
Preserving century plant bloom stalk from Sedona AZ
I have the flower stalk from a century plant which I am using as a Christmas tree. Can you advise me as to what I should do to preserve it for future use? Should it be kept indoors or outdoors. Pro...
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Sedona, AZ
Preserving the agave bloom for decoration from Sedona AZ
I have an agave century plant which is starting to bloom. Is there some way I can preserve the flower as a decoration piece?
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Sedona, AZ
Identification of fragrant, white-flowered bush in Arizona
I'd like to identify a flowering bush which has white sweet-smelling flowers.
It is growing in the Coconino National Forest in the area near the Airport vortex/Airport mesa in Sedona, Arizona.
...
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Sedona, AZ
Lightning protection of smooth bark cypress
I have been told that the smooth bark cypress stores a large amount of water at its base and if lightning strikes, it will explode and extinguish the flames. Could you tell me if this is a myth? I'...
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Sedona, AZ
Low water hedge for Sedona, AZ
I'm looking for a shrub to plant along a 90' property line with my neighbor in Sedona, Arizona (high desert). Ideally, the shrub would grow to about 8' and would not require too much water. What wo...
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Sedona, AZ
Plants indigenous to Sedona, AZ
I live in Sedona AZ and I want to plant indigenous plants in my garden. Is there a list of AZ native plants shrubs and trees that are indigenous to Sedona?
If there is no list that is specific f...
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SEDONA, AZ
Origins of the Name For Blackfoot Daisies
Can you tell me why blackfoot daisies are named “blackfoot”?
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Sedona, AZ
Cupressus arizonica with central leader cut in Sedona, AZ
Will a healthy Cupressus arizonica continue to grow in its native habitat, in Arizona, once the central leader has been cut?
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Sedona, AZ
Privacy screen for Sedona AZ
I live In Sedona Az. A builder just built a house next to my house and the new house is ugly to look at. What plant or tree would grow fast and reach 18 foot in height fast. It can be about 5 to 6 foo...
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Sedona, AZ
Will Crossvine damage stucco walls?
The Crossvine I planted about a month ago is doing well. It is growing up a stucco wall and its little tendrils are sticking to (or into?) the stucco. Is this going to grow into the stucco and damage ...
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New River, AZ
Shrubs for 2,000 feet Elevation in AZ
What shrubs can I plant in New River, AZ, 2,000 feet above sea level?
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New River, AZ
Need suggestions for privacy hedge in New River, AZ.
Hi! I live on a acre that is fenced and cross-fenced with 6' chain link. I am desperate to find a drought tolerant, very low water, non-toxic, fast growing privacy hedge or vine that I can plant arou...
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New River, AZ
What is sage-like plant in New River AZ?
I have a sage like looking plant growing wild in my yard. I live in the Sonora Desert. Its leaves are purple and once a year in spring it will bloom small blooms that are lavender. It grows 2 to 3 an...
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Cave Creek, AZ
Do yuccas die after blooming?
We have a blue yucca which was planted 2 years ago and is just now blooming with a tower of white flowers. Will the entire plant die after blooming as the century plants do? If so, is there a way to s...
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Parks, AZ
Drought tolerant privacy plants for Flagstaff AZ
We need a fast growing drought tolerant tree that will grow in Flagstaff AZ/Parks AZ. Neighbors are hoarders and we want privacy fence to cover the mess. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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