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.
Search Smarty Plants
topic | question | |
Live oak sprouts in Austin August 01, 2010 How can I control the hundreds of live oak sprouts our lovely trees are throwing off? We recently landscaped with rain gardens and the related drainage ditches; they are filled with these very happy ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of bermudagrass July 13, 2010 How do I get rid of bermuda grass in my San Augustine grass? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eradication of invasive thistles in Parma OH July 11, 2010 Lawn is full of prickly weeds with very deep roots. May be called Scotch Thistle, although id is not confirmed. They will grow as tall as they can amid other plants, and when mowed in the lawn, they... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating dogbane from transplanted milkweed in Franklin Lakes NJ May 10, 2010 We transplanted milkweed from the wild into our garden. Included in the clump of milkweed was dogbane. We weren't aware of how invasive dogbane is. We've has some success in digging it out but we'... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling poison oak or poison ivy in Iowa April 29, 2010 We recently purchased a property that is VERY wooded and has been vacant for two yrs. with little upkeep previously. We have (we were told) l00 yr old poison oak vines hanging from trees. We hired so... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Aggressive native Inland Sea Oats in Whitehouse Station NJ April 29, 2010 Can you direct me to a source of help managing a very aggressive grass, Chasmanthium latifolia, Woodland Oats or Indian Sea Oats. It is behaving like a very noxious plant and I am concerned as I am h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating non-native invasive bermuda grass in Morgan's Point TX April 25, 2010 We are trying to establish a wildflower meadow, but are having trouble with the neighbor's invasive bermudagrass taking over..what can be done to eliminate the bermuda? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of skunk cabbage in Hopedale OH April 22, 2010 How can someone get rid of skunk cabbage? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bluebonnets and weeds in Burleson TX March 31, 2010 I have lots of blue bonnets growing in my yard but they are overcome with weeds. What can I use to eliminate the weeds without killing the bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of invasive plant March 26, 2010 I have found an invasive plant species in Martindale, Texas that I would like to identify for family members. It is taking over their pasture and is difficult to eliminate. It has not bloomed yet but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating non-native invasive Asian jasmine in Temple TX February 06, 2010 Hello, behind my backyard fence there is a large growth (about 300 to 400 sq feet) of Asian jasmine. It was planted by previous owners. It prevents growth of native plants like holly. What is the prac... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating bluebonnets from lawn December 05, 2009 I need to know the best way to eliminate bluebonnets which are growing in my yard. My HOA is pursuing legal action against me to prevent me growing the plants. I can't afford to "resod" my yard. Ca... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Containing roots in Kaysville UT October 26, 2009 I'm planting my yard in all native Rocky Mountain and Great Basin plants. Is there a way to halt or contain the root propagation of Smooth Leaf Sumac and Quaking Aspen? I've considered digging dow... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Aggressive Frogfruit September 17, 2009 I have frogfruit voluntarily growing in my flower beds. I had intended to use it as a ground cover but am concerned that it is taking over. Will it kill (smother) my flowers that I have planted for bu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Treating stings from stinging nettles in Indiana August 08, 2009 How can I remove hairlike thorns (as from nettle-type weed)? My hands react within 24 hours with swelling and pain, esp in morning. In past when I have then been able to locate the offending thorn, th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia? July 21, 2009 How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How can I eradicate Mexican Petunia from my garden in Vacaville CA? July 02, 2009 Can you tell me the best way to eradicate the plant Ruellia, commonly known as Mexican Petunia, from my garden? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating crabgrass in a newly mulched area in Austin June 26, 2009 We just had our whole front lawn taken out. We are starting to plant native plants in its place. The idea was to do what’s best for the environment and reduce maintenance. At this point I’m beginni... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Removing non-native juniperus x pfitzeriana in Arvada CO June 25, 2009 We have 200' of large juniper pfitzers (3' tall - 4' wide) that completely enclose our front yard. We want to remove all of them but the estimates to dispose of them have been extremely high. One... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of Adams needle (Yucca filamentosa) June 24, 2009 My friend is changing her flower beds around and is wanting to eliminate an Adam's needle that has been there for several years. She has already dug it up and now is trying to get rid of all the new... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Removal of weeds in buffalograss mix in Houston June 15, 2009 I recently attempted to seed a small lawn area with a buffalo/blue grama grass mix, unfortunately for me the area has been hit hard with weeds. Is there an environmentally friendly method to reduce... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating skunk cabbage in Troy, NY May 19, 2009 My yard is overgrown with skunk cabbage. My question is how do I get rid of it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of poison ivy May 08, 2009 Dear Mr Smarty Plants, Likewise I also have a shady area in my yard with overgrowth of poison ivy. It borders a small duck pond and we have a Golden Retriever. I too would like to plant soon afterward... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating agave roots in Tonto Basin AZ April 22, 2009 Greetings Mr. Smarty Plants, from Tonto Basin, AZ! We have numerous mature (huge!) Agave Americana plants here, and have, until recently, enjoyed them. However, we are now ready for a drastic landscap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Elimination of Whitemouth dayflower in Dothan AL March 18, 2009 I am infested with Widow's Tears in my yard. I would like to get rid of them. Can you tell me how? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |