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?
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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Eliminating KR? Bluestem from St. Augustine Yard in Spicewood, TX April 28, 2012 How can I eradicate bluestem grass invading my St. Augustine lawn? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Proposal of marriage to Mr. Smarty Plants April 21, 2012 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Will you marry me? Garden bliss hangs in the balance. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What is the orange vine that is covering the wildflowers from Llano, TX? April 10, 2012 What is the invasive orange vine that is covering the wildflowers on Texas highways? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling Passionflora Incarnata propagation March 20, 2012 Would a cinderblock raised bed, 8 inches in height, be sufficient to contain the roots of passiflora incarnata and keep them from traveling to places where I don't want the vine? Are the roots deepe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Black Walnut tree in LA March 12, 2012 I was just given a black walnut tree and am trying to determine where to place it. I’ve read on your site that “Certain plants will not grow under Black Walnut trees because of the juglones that the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens January 31, 2012 What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Killing oak sprouts from El Paso TX August 16, 2011 I want to know how to kill oak root sprouts and seedlings. Very dense and out-of-control in huge area of front lawn. I had tree cut down and I still cannot get rid of them. They're only getting wors... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
removing paper mulberry shoots from lawn August 09, 2011 Dear Mr./Ms. Smartypants, I recently moved into an Austin home with the backyard taken over by paper mulberries. There were originally 2-3 large bush/trees, but now that I've removed them I realiz... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need something to compete with Virginia wild rye in Bristol, TN. July 29, 2011 I have been working for 4 years to convert a large area of sunny lawn (150' x 40') to a native woodland planting, using native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. Although I used seeds of a variety ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Invasive native wild onions in East Granby CT May 17, 2011 I have wild onions which have become extremely invasive. I have no idea how to get rid of them, and this year they seem to have taken over my entire flower bed. I tried pulling the bulbs out for sever... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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