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

Questions From Near You

Wade, NC
Need plants for privacy screening in a campground in Wade, NC.
Landscaping a campground tent area, need evergreen to grow to ground, narrow in width but will reach height for privacy. There is a wooded tree line along wall that produces shade during summer. Any...
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Fayetteville, NC
Comparison of native and non-native bulbs from Fayetteville NC
I am just a gardener seeking natives. As I could not find Crinum americanum bulbs/plants specifically, I checked further online. Here's an excerpt of what I found from the Louisiana Native Plant Soci...
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Dunn, NC
Native plants for part shade in North Carolina
I'm thinking about planting a border in front of my house. It's on the north side, so it's fairly shady. One of the main problems with this is that I don't like many common shade plants, so it's ...
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Buies Creek, NC
Why will my Plumbago not bloom in Buies Creek NC?
I purchased a plumbago about two weeks ago with w few old blooms. I pinched them off, and my plant has not bloomed since. I understand they bloom profusely, and have witnessed it myself. Why isn't...
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Angier, NC
Zinc tolerant plants for sunny area
I have a very high zinc soil in an all day sun area. Any suggestions as to what kind of flower can I grow successfully? Zone 8 Thank you
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Fuquay-Varina, NC
Non-native Chamaecyparis pisiflora turning brown in Fuqua-Varina NC
I have a "Soft Serve False Cypress" Chamaecyparis pisifera'Dow Whiting PPAF, that has only been in the ground for 6-7 months. I just noticed that the branches and leaves are starting to die, turni...
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clayton, NC
Need a good plant for Clayton, NC.
What would be a good plant for Clayton,NC for this time of year. I would like for it to come back every year so I don't have to replant. I have several full sun areas that I need to cover in the fron...
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Clayton, NC
Safe branch length of oaks in Clayton NC
I have 2 very large oak trees in my yard and I am concerned about the length of the branches over the house and driveway. Most seem larger than 4" in diameter. What is a safe length for these branc...
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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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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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Apex, NC
Wildlife Attracting Plants for a Shady Patio
We have a concrete patio that receives 2-3 hours of sunlight a day, so the only plants we will be able to grow will be in container. We are looking for plants that do well in shade, and containers and...
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Apex, NC
Plant ID from Apex NC
Can you identify this plant? It is growing in our backyard in Apex, North Carolina. Picture of plant is here: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZLJzQZyqq0dkU2HJQe50A9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?fea...
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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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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