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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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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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

Questions From Near You

Clovis, CA
Effect of pecan trees on pool deck from Clovis CA
I have pecan trees next to our pool deck. Are pecan trees invasive, will they lift up our pool deck?
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Clovis, CA
Are any cherry trees poisonous from Clovis CA?
Are there some cherry trees that are poisonous? if so, how do you identify them?
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Clovis, CA
Black rot at center of Agave from Clovis CA
We have some beautiful variegated "Green & Cream" Agave plants in our cactus garden. One in particular has done quite well for several years and is the largest, about 18" tall & across, it has neve...
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Clovis, CA
Protection of redwoods from deer rutting
We have a mountain home that we visit every other weekend. Are there any methods to protect redwoods from deer rutting that we can put in place since we are not there enough to spray repellent every f...
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Rolling Hills, CA
Plants for erosion control in horse pasture
I have erosion on a slope, southwestern facing, minimal shade in Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA. The soil is rocky and clayish. The hillside is in the middle of a horse paddock and barn. What plants woul...
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Fresno, CA
Smarty Plants on spines
What do you call part of a plant that is needle-like or has spikes or bristles?
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Fresno, CA
Cuttings from non-native weeping willow in California
I have a large area to plant, I have a flourishing Weeping Willow and would like to harvest cuttings from it to start new trees. What is the best time of year for this in Central California?
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Fresno, CA
Plants for vertical cliff in Pismo, CA
Need help with erosion control on an 80' steep to vertical, top-soil, south facing cliff, Pismo CA (central coast) area. Terracing not an option. Prefer native, colorful plants that will give the bes...
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Fresno, CA
Origin of thorned plant-like object falling from the sky
This morning while walking I felt a prick on my arm, like something had bitten me. I looked and saw what appeared to be a very tiny little plant with a thorn on it sticking out of my arm. I pulled i...
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Fresno, CA
Identification of a mint-like plant in California
I found a plant growing near my apricot (in Fresno, California). It has a square stem which becomes more rounded toward the base. The leaves are smooth, opposite, and they have three to five leaflets ...
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Fresno, CA
Taking plants to Alaska
I am moving from California to Alaska, can I take live plants?
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Fresno, CA
Trimming non-native sago from Fresno CA
I have a sago plant, fronds are hanging over into street, can the fronds themselves be trimmed back without removing the whole frond?
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Fowler, CA
Vine non-toxic to alpacas and dogs from Fowler CA
We have alpacas and would like to plant a flowering vine on a backyard fence that adjoins the pasture. We live in Central California so we have many hot days during the summer and would like a plan...
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Unknown city, CA
Are red berries of modesto ash toxic to dogs
Are the red berries that come off the modesto ash tree poisonous to dogs if they eat them?
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San Diego, CA
A suggestion for a native small tree for San Diego
Another good suggestion for a native small tree for San Diego - Garrya veatchii - Southern Silktassle. It's really gorgeous!
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KERMAN, CA
Duck-resistant plants for pond in California
I want to plant around a water pond and I need some plants that my ducks will not destroy. Please help.
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Madera, CA
Removal and disposal of very invasive non-native water hyacinth
I was given some Eichhornia crassipes, don't know how to care for them. Do you put them in some potting soil then put the pot in water? When do they bloom? Can they stay in the water during winter in...
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Visalia, CA
Fruit in the compost bin
I have a compost bin and I use the pulp from fruits and vegetables as one of the ingredients in my compost pile. We juice everyday so will all this pulp be too potent for new seedlings?
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Mariposa, CA
Deer eating creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata)
We have Creosote Bushes (Larrea tridentata) that grow wild on out 10 acres. The deer eat those plants all year 'round. Probably more in the dry times of the year. Just wanted to let you know that t...
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Mariposa, CA
Washingtonia palms need to be skirted?
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have five Washingtonia palms on my property that have never been skirted and look rather shabby. The interesting thing is that they have thrived (20-30 ft) here to begin with...
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EXETER, CA
Plants to keep children out of yard
I WANT TO PLANT SOMETHING ALONG A FENCE LINE TO KEEP CHILDREN OUT OF OUR YARD. NEEDS TO GROW FAST BUT NOT POISONOUS
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