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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

Bellville, TX
When to mow bluebonnets
I have approx. 2 acres on the side and front of my house in Austin County. When can I mow the remaining high grass and not disturb the natural renewal? Also, I plan to purchase more bluebonnet seed ...
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Bellville, TX
Evergreen shrub for screen in Bellville, Texas
Would you please recommend a dense evergreen for a living screen in Bellville, TX (Austin County) that will receive full sun? Fast growing and a minimum height of 8' are preferred.
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Bellville, TX
Low-growing evergreen shrubs for Bellville , TX
I live north of Bellville, TX and have a 3-tiered retaining wall on the west and north sides of my house. What low growing (around 2' tall) evergreen shrubs would be good to plant here. The west si...
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Cat Spring, TX
Can non-native star jasmine attract snakes?
I have star jasmine climbing up my house. Can it attract snakes?
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catspring, TX
More on bluebonnets
Where can I find seeds for maroon bluebonnets? I understand that Texas A&M has developed cultivars for this plant in as many as four colors. I haven't been able to find a source for them.
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catspring, TX
More on bluebonnets
There are several different species of bluebonnets that grow in Texas. Which one is the official state flower?
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Catspring, TX
Conditions for growing Prunus mexicana
Will a native Wild Plum do well in the Cat Spring area west of Houston. The soil is quite sandy. I was told that the plum trees attract deer.
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Sealy, TX
Taking bluebonnets to Anchorage AK from Sealy TX
Moving to Anchorage Alaska from Texas and I am bringing bluebonnet seeds to plant there. Will the moose eat these plants/flowers?
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Chappell Hill, TX
Need suggestions for plants for a privacy screen for a pecan orchard in Chappell Hill, TX.
Mr. Smarty Plants, My family has just begun converting our land in Chappell Hill, TX (Washington County) into a pecan orchard. We had to clear a lot of the overgrowth around the edge of the proper...
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Chappell Hill, TX
a source for fruitless olive (non-native) trees
I was given a "mexican olive" several years ago which is doing very well. This one is non-fruiting and I would like to have another that is non-fruiting but cannot find one. Cordia boissieri see...
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Chappell Hill, TX
Plant identification
I am trying to name a pink fall blooming wildflower. It is growing in a ditch and has several blooms on a stalk about 4' tall.
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Chappell Hill, TX
Identification of Bidens aristosa (Tickseed sunflower) in Texas
I think the ID of the plant I submitted a description of yesterday is Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa). Thanks.
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Chappell Hill, TX
Latest time to mow bluebonnets from Chappell Hill TX
The past few years, my bluebonnets have been overwhelmed by tall grass. I could have solved this by mowing later, but I was always afraid of mowing new bluebonnet plants. When is the latest time I can...
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Chappell Hill, TX
Wild Texas olive trees in Chappell Hill TX
Are wild texas olive trees male and female? Mine is evergreen with no olives. I would like to have another that is evergreen and has no fruit but all I find are deciduous and have fruit.
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Chappell Hill, TX
Starting transplants of native Pleopeltis polypodioides
I would like to know how to start Pleopeltis polypodioides (resurrection fern) growing in my oak trees. I have a source for the plants but do not know how to start the transplants on the limbs of the...
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New Ulm, TX
Plants for slopes in South Texas
Can you provide a list of plants for use on slopes in S. Texas?
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Hempstead, TX
Planting native yaupons on fence line for privacy
I live in the country and someone bought the place next door and is building a house close to me.(150 yards) I want to plant yaupon trees on my fence line. Can I get seeds somewhere? I have yaupons ...
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Hempstead, TX
Commercial sources of Virginia creeper
I am looking for Virginia Creeper 'Engelmannii' liners, I have looked through most of your national suppliers directory, only a couple carry vines. Thank you,
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Hempstead, TX
Hankering for a view-blocking hedge in Hempstead, TX.
Hempstead is 50 miles west of Houston and I am looking for a fast growing native to provide a block of a view for a fairly large area (about half a block). I would prefer something that is also benef...
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Hempstead, TX
Source for Orbexilum from Hempstead TX
I am looking for a source of plants or seed for a Texas native plant: Mountain Pea, orbexilum sp. (nova). Thank you,
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Hempstead, TX
Seeding the banks of a large pond
I have a 2 acre surface pond that is mostly a hard clay bank all around. The water level is way down and I will begin filling it very soon. I need to somehow being affordable, plant something or thing...
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