Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Smarty Plants Question Topics

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.

<< previous 1 2 3 next >>

141 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page

topic	question
Turf	New Lawn for a New House in Central Texas July 11, 2016 We have a new house with a barren yard. How soon can we successfully plant grass? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Shade Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	How much shade will Thunder Turf (Habiturf) take? March 20, 2016 How much shade will Thunder Turf take? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Seed and Plant Sources Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Source for Habiturf sod in Central Texas October 02, 2015 Do you know any source for Habiturf sod in Central Texas? I contacted Blade Runner Farms and they replied that their Habiturf project was discontinued. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native turf grass for Arlington, VA. September 10, 2015 Hi, could you please provide me with a recommendation for a native turf grass to plant in a large commercial area in Arlington, Virginia. Currently Kentucky 31 is being used, but we would like to iden... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Best grass for the shade in Austin, TX. July 01, 2015 What is the best grass seed for shade in Austin? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	When do Habiturf� grasses make seeds? June 16, 2015 I planted Habiturf seeds last year near Dripping Springs. It looks like the Buffalo grass has had seeds on it for a week or 2. How long does it need to remain on the live Buffalo Grass before it can b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Green Roofs Turf Wildflowers	Can you grow wildflowers on a Zoysia greenroof? June 09, 2015 I have a 700 square foot zoysia grass roof with irrigation on a pool cabana that I would like to sprinkle with wildflower seeds (bluebonnets, indian paintbrush etc) Is this possible? What is the best ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Controlling weeds in Habiturf lawn May 16, 2015 What's the best way to get rid of weeds in a Habiturf lawn? Habiturf seems like a great idea, but even with no extra water and no fertilizer, it seems the weeds take over - K.R. Bluestem and various... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Drought Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Drought-tolerant turf for Southern California April 23, 2015 Is it possible to grow Habiturf in Riverside, California, in the area of UC Riverside? The climate is similar to the desert areas or Arizona, just slightly cooler in the Summer. If not, is there a d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Lawn Options for Saginaw, MI April 09, 2015 I'm looking for a low maintenance, high traffic lawn alternative. Will Texas Frogfruit handle the winter? My yard is small so covering it is an option. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pests Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Chigger Control in Habiturf from Plano, TX April 08, 2015 We converted our back yard in Plano, Texas to Habiturf last spring/summer and have a nice lawn; however, for the first time since we have lived in this house for 32 years, the lawn was full of chigger... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grasses for Houston, TX April 06, 2015 What native grasses can I use for my lawn in Houston, TX? It appears that Habiturf is not recommended for our climate. Is there another variety of seed available yet that I can use to start a small ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Substitute for Habiturf in Fullerton, CA March 27, 2015 Will habiturf grow/thrive in 92835 zip code? I think Im on 10a or 10b hardiness. I have clay soil. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Soils Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Turf grass for a sandy site in central Texas February 16, 2015 I want to plant grass over an old sand volleyball court in our back yard in Bastrop, Texas. What is the best way to go? Adding top soil and buffalo grass seed or try St. Augustine? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grass Lawn For Georgia January 20, 2015 Grass in Atlanta when I was little (I am 50 years old and have lived in Atlanta most of my life) was of a fescue variety. Bermuda grasses were considered "rich person's grass" when I was young. M... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Alternative for HABITURF� in Los Angeles County, CA December 04, 2014 The Habiturf brochure has a map indicating appropriate locales for growing this lawn. Excluded from the appropriate range is Southern California, where I live. Is Habiturf not recommended for this reg... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Plant Identification Planting Propagation Seasonal Tasks Problem Plants Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis November 04, 2014 I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Alternative to Habiturf� for San Franciso area October 05, 2014 Will Habiturf thrive in San Francisco? My current sod lawn is dying because the soil has become extremely hard. I'll replace the top couple of inches but underneath is a mix of sand and clay. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Alternative for HABITURF� in Contra Costa County, CA September 17, 2014 We live in Kensington, just north of Berkeley, in the San Francisco area. We intend to get rid of our water consuming lawn and we are wondering what kind of alternative you would suggest. You don't s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Why are there no low-mow lawn grasses composed of only native fescues? September 09, 2014 Dear SP, Most blends of ecograss I see are a combination of non-native and native fescues (and sometimes buffalo grass, blue grama, etc.). Why are there (apparently) none that are composed entirely of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Can Habiturf� be hydromulched? July 28, 2014 Our lawn was originally planted with "Weeping Love Grass" seed by hydromulching. After 7 years we still have some bare spots. Other types of grass have infiltrated the lawn and that does not matter... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Mowing Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss) July 05, 2014 Dear Mr or Ms Smarty Plants, Although I see you have posted some information about mowing Buffalograss it doesn't seem to answer my question. Will it hurt to mow the buffalograss flags off? Will t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants Turf	Acre-scale Grass Removal near Austin, TX July 04, 2014 How do I get rid of 10 acres of Kleingrass? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Shade Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Habiturf for shady areas in San Antonio TX November 08, 2013 Will the Habiturf grass mentioned here do well in shady areas too? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Shade Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Alternative for sedges for turf-like lawn in shade October 25, 2013 When it comes to a turf-like lawn in shade, is it pretty much sedges or nothing among native options? By the way, I write from up north here in Iowa. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Looking for a native turf grass for the Houston area July 25, 2013 Looking for a native turf grass for the Houston area. In some of your 2012 responses, you stated that "The good news is that research into turf-type grasses native to the coastal region is in the pla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Problem with Habiturf. Is it dormant or dead? July 24, 2013 We planted habiturf in spring 2012. It's beautiful. But since last summer, we have had one area that seems to go dormant much more rapidly than the rest, even though it receives the same amount of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Turf	How to control Yellow Woodsorrel in Habiturf? March 19, 2013 Last year we planted Habiturf in our front lawn and prepared the ground as directed with organic compost. This year we have an infestation of low growing yellow oxalis which we believe came in with t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Lawn grass for Erath County, TX October 02, 2012 We live in Erath County in TX on ranch land. We are relatively dry. Our soil is combination of clay and red soil (brought in for building pad), and sandy. We have a sloped area, about 30%, that we w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Drought Tolerant Turf	Drought-resistant and grub-resistant grass for Smithville TX October 02, 2012 I want a drought resistant grass for a sunny area that is also resistant to grubs. I have lots of grubs but want a healthy soil of good microbes. Any ideas? Zoysia, Buffalo? I noticed that Tech Turf r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Nutgrass in Lakeway TX Habiturf September 30, 2012 I just installed a new septic system with drip field. Planted habiturf over the whole area. The habiturf is doing good, but I was away for a while and the nut grass has taken over several areas. It s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Shade Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Low maintenance grass for shade in Conroe, TX September 15, 2012 What is the best low maintenance grass to plant in front lawn shaded, no traffic area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Grass mixture for Spicewood TX August 14, 2012 I want to seed a bare sand limestone area about 2 acres in size. Assuming "normal" Texas hill country weather and the availability of moderate water for sprinkling is there one mixture that you reco... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Turf	White mold on Bermuda grass August 07, 2012 I tried searching and could not find info for this on your website. What causes mold in Bermuda grass and how can I get rid of it? Tried fungicide as recommended by garden center in austin which did... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildlife Gardens Erosion Control Turf Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Plants to prevent erosion in IL August 02, 2012 We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Questions about Habiturf April 01, 2012 What does habiturf look like when it first emerges? Could you post some images? And how long will it take to begin to cover? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Need help with lawn that was sodded with Buffalo Grass in Dallas, TX. March 20, 2012 I had buffalo sod put down last March. It greened up beautifully until weeds just about covered it up. I tried hand pulling. My landscaper showed up with something that appeared to damage the buffa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Planting Habiturf in Houston, TX> March 08, 2012 First, I want to say thank you for such an informative site. You say that the Buffalograsses tend to do well in drier and well drained soil. My house has a lawn that drops about 10 inches in about... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Seeds and Seeding Turf Grasses or Grass-like	killing grass on 1 acre before planting Habiturf March 04, 2012 I have an acre of full sun lawn on a slight slope in Dallas - would the habiturf be appropriate & if so, how do I go about killing off the existing weeds/crab grass before installing? Removing 3 in o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Drought Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Do I need to cover my Habiturf planting with straw? March 02, 2012 I'm preparing to seed the Habiturf in my front yard in a couple of weeks. My dad has suggested I spread some straw to help protect the seeds. Your thoughts? Thanks!!! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native grasses and turf grass for VA February 08, 2012 I recently moved to Blacksburg, Virginia. I am becoming involved with a church here that recently started a grounds committee. There is some discussion within the group of which varieties of native ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Habiturf in Houston January 30, 2012 I want to install a Multi-Species Native Lawn, like HABITURF. However, I live in Houston, Texas and most of your information on this topic doesn't address my region. As I don't have a heavily shaded... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Diseases and Disorders Soils Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Habiturf installation after Take-All fungus January 24, 2012 Are other soil remedies needed (besides those listed in your Habiturf brochure) to install Habiturf on land which had a St. Augustine lawn which was decimated by take all patch. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Drought Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Need name of company with experience in Habiturf installation in Round Rock, TX. January 24, 2012 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I read the article about "NATIVE LAWNS: HABITURF� A MULTI-SPECIES MIX FOR NORTH, WEST AND CENTRAL TEXAS" Do you know any landscape companies/groups in Austin - Round Ro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Will Habiturf work in Houston? January 20, 2012 I am looking to plant the parking strip between the sidewalk and street - about 6-7 feet wide. Would Habiturf work in Houston. The webside lists areas of Texas, but wasn't sure if Houston was incl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Wildflower Center Watering Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Is installing irrigation with Habiturf a good idea in Round Rock Texas? December 05, 2011 Mr. Smarty Plants, I am in the process of planning a new lawn in my front yard. We have decided to plant the Habiturf seed mix (thank you, by the way). Originally, we planned on installing a spri... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Drought Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Drought tolerant grass with little need for mowing for Hill Country of Texas November 17, 2011 What grass would you recommend for the hill country of Texas that is drought tolerant and does not need frequent mowing? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Drought Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native replacement for non-native Bermudagrass in Leander TX October 16, 2011 We have Bermuda grass. Large patches have died due to the drought and our yard has been taken over by weeds and St. Augustine grass whose seeds must have blown in. Even when the grass was in great con... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Shade Tolerant Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native grasses for shady yard in Austin September 04, 2011 I was looking at your research on native grasses to be used in a yard. I want to plant your native mix of seeds, but worry that there is too much shade in my yard. I live in central Austin and wante... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Compost and Mulch Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native grasses for central Georgia August 06, 2011 We've just bought a 1990 circa house in Dallas, Georgia. It sits on a .62 acre lot. One half of the lot is woods, the rest is lawn. The lawn is covered mostly with weeds and wild strawberries. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
topic	question

<< previous 1 2 3 next >>

141 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page