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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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cha, NC
Lantana induced rash
What should I use for a rash caused by a Lantana scratch on my arm
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Garner, NC
Need native plants to place in chicken coop in Charolette, NC
Hi, I live near Charlotte, NC. I'm looking for native plants that I can plant in my chicken coop that will produce food for the chickens. If they also produced some delicious food for me, I wouldn't...
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Garner, NC
Transplant shock in pecan tree in Garner NC
I transplanted a pecan tree about 3 weeks ago & been watering it 3 times a day. The leaves are turning brown & crumbly before I water it. After I water it, the leaves are brown but I can scratch the t...
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RALEIGH , NC
Host plant for butterflies in North Carolina
What is the best host plant for butterflies in North Carolina?
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Raleigh, NC
Vine with big flowers or fruits
I need a vine that will take over a 8ft wide x 12 ft high lattice. It will be the center piece of the front of the house. It will be In sun almost constantly throughout the day. I'd like something wi...
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Raleigh, NC
Evergreen shrubs for full sun in North Carolina
We need suggestions for native NC evergreen shrubs that will grow well in full sun for a school garden. Most of what I've found likes part shade. We need something that will not be over 10 feet or ca...
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Raleigh, NC
Problems with non-native crape myrtle from Raleigh NC
I have two crepe myrtles that were planted last year, did well all summer long. We had some freezing weather and this spring their buds are brown with little white flakes(very sparingly) and no leaves...
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Raleigh, NC
Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
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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Raleigh, NC
Non-native Ruellia brittonia in Raleigh NC
I have discovered Mexican Petunias this year. I LOVE THEM! Beautiful plant. However, they are so tall and after a rain are leaning badly. Should I tie them back? Will they get stronger as they ma...
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Raleigh, NC
Problems with Purple Heart in Raleigh, NC
I was hoping you could help me with an indoor/outdoor houseplant issue. I have a purple heart, that lives outside in the summers and indoors in the winters. I brought it in a few weeks ago and am no...
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Raleigh, NC
Digestive distress from eating Lonicera sempervirens
A friend of mine ate Lonicera sempervirens and it caused a burning sensation in his stomach. What may have caused this sensation?
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Raleigh, NC
Identification of Cryptomeria japonica for homeowners association
Good morning. We are wondering if Cryptomeria japonica trees can fit under the term "pine like". We used the term pine like when asking for our home owners associations approval and we put in a Cr...
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Raleigh, NC
Need deer resistant plants for a shady north facing garden in Raliegh, NC.
I am in need of Deer Resistant Native Shade plants for a North Facing Garden. It is 3 feet wide by 20 feet long. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you, Eaten Alive
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Raleigh, NC
Growing Texas bluebonnets in North Carolina
I live in North Carolina and love the Texas Bluebonnets. Can I create my own mix of soil to be able to grow them here? Soil is basically red clay and icky.
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Raleigh, NC
Information about Citrus mitis
I was given a Citrus Mitis plant. It has beautiful white flowers and delicious looking tiny oranges.everyone in my office is asking if they're edible?
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Cary, NC
Plants for a bare clay slope in North Carolina
Hi - I live near Raleigh North Carolina (border of the coastal plain and Piedmont). I have about 1/2 acre that was excavated for a geothermal heating/cooling system and now I need to stabilize it a...
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Cary, NC
History of hybrid Hibiscus Davis Creek from Cary NC
Re: Hibiscus Davis Creek. Can you tell me this hybrid's history? H. coccineus H. militaris perhaps?
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Cary, NC
Erosion control for a North Carolina creek side
Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I noticed a question on your website recommending NC native grasses and plants to help prevent erosion on a sloping backyard, including the use of an erosion blanket. The pl...
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Cary, NC
Evergreen trees for screen in North Carolina
Recently moved into a new "cluster" development where homes are very close together. Need to plant bushes / trees for privacy and would like fast growing ones that are good in the south. Attempted...
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Cary, NC
Determination of native plants of North Carolina
I am compiling lists of native plants to use in NC, and found that Dirr (Manual of Woody Landscape Plants) lists introduction dates (xxxx) for MANY of the trees you list as natives, e.g., Acer rubrum ...
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Cary, NC
Ground cover plants for a shady North Carolina yard
Ground cover erosion control for heavily shaded area in Cary, North Carolina. Current landscapers use strong blowers for leaf control. This blows away any seeds, loose soil and mulch. Tree roots ar...
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