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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

The Colony, TX
Natural lifespan of wild plum trees
We have a small border of Wild Plum Trees in our yard. Every year it seem that one or two of the biggest trees die. Do they have a specific life span? We transplanted the trees/bushes from the panh...
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The Colony, TX
Plants for area around a fountain in full sun near Dallas
I'm seeking advice on what I can plant around the base of a fountain, in full sun, that can tolerate the fountain water splash/spray. I'm seeking something that can be maintained to a maximum h...
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The Colony, TX
Science project
I am doing a science project and have to find 30 examples of flowers native to Texas to photograph. What is available in the Dallas - Fort Worth area that is easily photographed?
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The colony, TX
Ground covers for Denton, Texas
Hi, I live in "The Colony", Texas. I want to have a garden that is evergreen and colorful and low maintenance. Also looking for ground covers as do not have time to remove weeds growing in the flow...
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Frisco, TX
Is Crape Myrtle Native?
Hello, I live in Frisco, TX. Can you tell me is there any Crape Myrtle which is native to Frisco, TX.
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Frisco, TX
Update on controlling live oak suckers with newspapers, cardboard and mulch
Can we get an update on the march 2011 topic of live oak suckers? I am wondering if the newspaper/cardboard/mulch layers continued to take care of the problem. Thanks!
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Frisco, TX
Needs Help with Peonies
With the clay soil in North Texas (Frisco) which variety of peony would thrive and become a reliable bloomer? I do work on amending the soil with expanded shell and compost, but ultimately, we still h...
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Frisco, TX
Native flowering aromatic trees for Frisco, Texas
Dear Smartplants, I live in Frisco, Texas. Could you please suggest me good native flowering aromatic trees from 12 to 50 feet. Thank you so much
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Frisco, TX
Wildflowers suitable for full sun and partial shade in the Dallas, Texas area
What wildflowers are best for the Dallas area both in sunny and semi shade locations? Are you able to purchase by mail?
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Frisco, TX
Screening plant for pool
i am building a pool i have a neighbor whom im trying to shield out of seeing us. i would like to plant an evergreen tree the pool will be used year round. i need an evergreen that wont have an ov...
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Frisco, TX
Plant identification
I have a question about a plant that looks like a fern that has small red looking flowers and has thorns. Also it is very small (probably 2-3 inches tall). I'm just wondering what it is cause it grow...
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Frisco, TX
Damage to native elm in Texas
We had a major landscape renovation done over the winter. One of the trees, an elm about 10 yrs old, remained in the bed although plants around it were removed. The tree has suddenly started turning...
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Frisco, TX
Sources for buffalo grass seed in Junction, TX
I'm looking for a local supplier for buffalograss sod near Junction, Texas. I want to have it installed on my dad's gravesite. The cemetary in Junction has minimal maintenance available and, of co...
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Frisco, TX
Tall trees for planting around a swimming pool in Frisco, Texas
Could you please tell me what kind of tall trees would be best to plant around a swimming pool in Frisco, Texas?
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Frisco, TX
Tree species for a small yard
I have a small front yard area. Maybe 10' x 15'. It is also elevated. There is a retaining wall about 4 feet high. The builders planted a live oak! I think it is a nightmare waiting to happen as it ...
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Frisco, TX
Native flowering plants for Frisco, Texas
Hi There, I recently moved from Ohio, Cleveland to TX, Frisco. Could you please suggest me native flowering plants in my back yard and front yard. I like different flowers.
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Frisco, TX
Classes for a nature lover in Frisco TX
I have a question which I don't think is available in this website. I love plants & flowers,trees etc- just like you, I've only studied till my higher secondary school; now would love to study as we...
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Little Elm, TX
Five-eight foot hedge for north Texas
I am looking to find a fairly large (preferably flowering) shrub / hedge to go along 100 feet of fence. The plants will be facing Northeast, but will be for the most part under the branches of crape m...
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Little Elm, TX
Identity of yellow thistle-like plant
Dear Mr.Smarty Plants, I see this flower along the road but I can't seem to find it on your website. It looks like a yellow thistle and it is a panicle and a head. It is about a foot tall. Do you kn...
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Lewisville, TX
Identification of cucumber-like plant with red fruit
Hi; My name is Peter, live in Lewisville. When I walked through a park trail last year, I noticed a very strange vine described as the following: It is vine with leaves and stems (size and shape) lo...
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Lewisville, TX
Location of Indian Paintbrush in Lewisville, TX area
Know the location of any spots where Indian Paintbrushes grow in North Texas? I'm in Lewisville, about 10 miles north of Dallas.
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