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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

Broken Arrow, OK
Can trimmings from non-native globe willows be planted from Broken Arrow OK?
We have 2 globe willow trees in our back yard. We trim low hanging branches. Can we take these cut branches, -plant them and have it grow into a new globe willow tree?
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Broken Arrow, OK
Hummingbird Bushes for Broken Arrow OK
I am looking for bushes that attract hummingbirds. I live in Broken Arrow, OK. Can you recommend some?
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Bixby, OK
Survival of yucca plant mowed down in Oklahoma
I have a yucca plant that came from a very old plant of my late father, and had transplanted it 6 years ago and it came back every year and bloomed. This morning I went outside and noticed my husband...
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Bixby, OK
Problems with a Sherman (Shumard?) Oak from Bixby OK
We have done extensive research on oak fungi/diseases/pests could be affecting our Sherman Oak tree but we are stumped. The leaves are falling off and have some sort of moldy bunch within the leaf it...
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Tulsa, OK
Plants for freestanding water in Oklahoma
I have an overflowing gutter and the ground below becomes a muddy hole. I'd like to put a basin or pot in/or above the ground with a rain chain. Are there any plants--shrubs or otherwise that flouris...
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Tulsa, OK
Changing bloom color from Tulsa OK
How do you change the bloom color?
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TULSA, OK
Hours of darkness for non-native poinsettia to bloom
I have a poinsettia from last Christmas still alive. I was told to get it so many hours of darkness. Do you know how many hours? When would be the best time to start displaying the plant again?
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Tulsa, OK
Hollies not retaining leaves in Tulsa
I have Little Red Hollies that have lost their leaves, some areas being bald. They are also not full - you can see through them. These were planted in this condition Spring of '08 and have been wat...
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Tulsa, OK
Looking for a redbud sized tree to plant in Tulsa OK.
I am looking for a native tree about the size of a redbud to place in my prairie bed in Tulsa Oklahoma, wildlife friendly trees preferred, thanks!
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tulsa, OK
How to Control White Fungus on Prickly Pear Cactus?
Is there any kind of spray for our prickly pear that will help with the white fungus that has appeared on it?
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Tulsa, OK
Native plants for southwest exposure in Tulsa OK
I want to plant something in a bed on the South side of my house with some Western exposure. The space is in a bed that would share space with a Red Tip Photinia (next to the house)& liriope( on the ...
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Tulsa, OK
Erosion control in lawn in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I have an erosion control question. I have a growing problem with erosion on one side of my house. The soil from the side of my house slopes down about 8" in about 3 feet to ...
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Haskell, OK
Cultivar of Cercis Canadensis from Haskell OK
We have a Hearts of Gold Redbud that first had dark edges to many of its leaves (about 2 weeks after planting). It now has multiple leaves w/ medium-dark brown spots on them. Are we looking at some ...
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Sapulpa, OK
Native alternative for Japanese Red Maple in Oklahoma
Mr. Smarty Plants, I am looking for a native alternative to a Japanese Red Maple. I would like a small tree that I can put in my front garden that will not pose a security risk my being overgrown and ...
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Sand Springs, OK
Is there a simple way to
Is there a relatively simple way to "guess" how old wild grapevine is?
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Claremore, OK
Wintering over Bluebonnets in a pot in Oklahoma
I live near Tulsa, OK, and I have spent the last year trying to grow bluebonnets in a container. I have been very successful in this process and they are so beautiful and full, but now I am worried ab...
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Wagoner, OK
Can a Texas Mountain Laurel grow in Northeast Oklahoma?
I was born and raised in Texas but am now living in Northeast Oklahoma. I miss the smell of Texas mountain laurels in the spring. Is there any way of getting one to grow here?
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Wagoner, OK
Possible identification of Hydrocotyle bonariensis
I went to Pedra Island two years ago I saw a plant that grew around the beach. It has a perfectly round leaf that has the stem in the middle of the back side of the leaf. It has small yellow flowers. ...
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Oologah, OK
Plant identification
I'm trying to identify a bush/shrub that is approx. 6 ft. with leaves like an azalea but has orange hot air balloon shaped balls that turn to small orange flowers. Blooming now in May. Dies back ea...
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Muskogee, OK
Digging sassafras roots in Oklahoma
When should I dig sassafras roots in eastern Oklahoma?
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Muskogee, OK
How to eradicate non-native invasive Houttuynia cordata from Muskogee OK
I have planted a very invasive plant called houttuynia and cannot get rid of it! It is very stinky and the stems break off easily at the roots. I cannot dig it up anymore - it is all over in my flow...
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