Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

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.

Support NPINHelp grow the Native Plant Information Network by giving to the Plant Database Fund or subcribing to Wildflower magazine.

Subscribe online now
Mr. Smarty Plants would give Wildflower magazine two thumbs up...if he had two thumbs.
Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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

Elmendorf, TX
How to germinate seed for Styrax grandifolius
How do I germinate seed for the Styrax grandifolius?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Coursetia axillaris from cuttings from Elmendorf TX
I have been able to propagate the Coursetia axillaris (Texas Babybonnets) from cuttings. Will the plants grown from cuttings bloom faster?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Viability of Lupinus havardii seeds from Elmendorf TX
I have been able to grow several Lupinus havardii (Big Bend Bluebonnet) and they are now making seed. Is there anyway to determine if a seed is good or bad for this plant?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Difference between Styrax platanifolius and Styrax patanifolius ssp. texanus
What is the difference between a Styrax platanifolius and a Styrax platanifolius texanus?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Propagating Silky Sophora by seed from Elmendorf TX
I have some seed for the Sophora nutalliana. What is the best way to germinate this seed?
view the full question and answer

elmendorf, TX
Propagation of Limonium limbatum
I have a Limonium limbatum but do not know how to propagate the plant. Can you help with this?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Is Asclepias purpurascens a Texas native?
Is the Asclepias purpurascens a Texas native plant? If so where does it grow?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
What does the seed for Tiquilia greggii look like?
What does the seed for Tiquilia greggii look like? Do you have a picture?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Propogating snowbells from Elmendorf TX
Is it possible to propagate Styrax platanifolius and Halesia diptera from cuttings? If yes, what is the process?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Requirements to grow Lupinus albifrons
What is required to grow Lupinus albifrons? Temp., soil mix, alkaline or acid, etc.?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Texas native peach from Elmendorf TX
Does Texas have a native peach tree that grows wild?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Will Fragrant Ash grow in Bowie County TX?
I live in south Bexar County in very fine deep sand. Will the Fraxinus cuspidata grow in my soil and temperature?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Source for seeds of New Mexico locust from Abilene TX
Is there a place to buy Robinia neomexicana native to Texas or order seed from Texas grown plants?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Age before blooming of a Fendler rupicola from Elmendorf TX
How old does a Fendlera rupicola plant have to be before it will bloom?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Are Prunus minutiflora male and female flowers on different plants?
I have a Prunus minutiflora and have recently learned the male and female flowers are on separate plants. How can I determine if I have a male or female plant?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
Picture of Castilleja purpurea
Can you tell me what the seedling for Castilleja purpurea looks like? Or do you have a picture?
view the full question and answer

Elmendorf, TX
How does Styrax youngiae differ from other Texas Styrax species?
How does the Styrax youngae differ from other Texas styrax? Where can I find a description of all the Texas styrax trees?
view the full question and answer

China Grove, TX
How to prune wild mustang grape vines.
Now that my mustang grapes are harvested. When can I trim them out of the tree top and redirect them to an arbor where I can reach them next year? The main vine is at least 3" across. The vines from...
view the full question and answer

Adkins, TX
Transplanting and germination of Pride of Barbados in Adkins, TX
What is the root system like of the Pride of Barbados? I have a lot of new plants coming up in my beds from seeds. Can these be transplanted to a new location easily without damaging the plants? If...
view the full question and answer

Floresville, TX
Failure to bud out of Shumard oaks in Floresville TX
Question: I have a Shumard red oak (9-10ft tall) that I planted last October as its leaves were turning a brilliant red color. However, it's the only tree that did not bud this spring. I scraped t...
view the full question and answer

Floresville, TX
Transplanting Mexican bonebract in Floresville, TX
My kids and I finally identified a small plant that we found growing in our pasture. There was only one and it is lovely. It is the Mexican Bonebract. What I am interested in finding out is how to tra...
view the full question and answer