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.
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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.
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| topic | question | |
| Toxicity of non-native, invasive Wedelia trilobata March 19, 2007 Could you tell me if Wedelia trilobata is toxic to animals? It grows so voraciously where I am that I am wanting to use the whole plant to feed to my large tortoises (who are also voracious for edibl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of non-native Primrose jasmine March 14, 2007 I have 4 large primrose jasmine shrubs that were transplanted about 4 years ago. They were cut back fairly harshly at that time. Since then, the centers remain very woody... no greenery... but the l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Thorns on non-native orange trees March 04, 2007 I just moved into a new home that has orange trees in the yard. The tree trunks and limbs are thorny. What kind of oranges are they? How should I care for them? Is it ok to cut off the thorns so t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Avoiding planting Indian Paintbrush in Hawaii because of invasiveness March 01, 2007 My daughter is living in Hilo, Hawaii. For her birthday, her boyfriend ordered her some Indian Paintbrush seeds. Trying to be sure she grows them correctly in a pot, she found instructions that say ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Obtaining information about non-native Maurandella antiffhiniflora seeds February 26, 2007 Mr. Smarty Plants: My Mother and I love to see all the beautiful Snapdragons blooming each year. We never know when to actually plant the seeds in order to have the Snapdragons come up and bloom by th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Use of non-native Indian Mustard for reducing lead in soil February 07, 2007 The EPA phytoremediation documents say lead contamination can be reduced with Brassica juncea: "Successful Reduction of Lead Contamination. Phytoextraction was demonstrated at a site in Tren... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why is non-native, invasive dandelion called a wildflower? January 24, 2007 Why is a dandelion a wildflower? {I read it in a book.} View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of Sphaegneticola trilobata as non-native invasive plant January 24, 2007 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants, I have some wedelia growing but would like clarification on the type whether it is the texana or trilobata. Is the texana a bushy plant? Mine is more of the sprawling/tra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possible damage by invasive, non-native earthworms in compost January 03, 2007 I received a worm bin (vermicomposter) for Christmas. The instructions that came with the bin say to use the red wiggler worm (Eisenia foetida) and that it is okay if some of the worms go into your g... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alternatives for non-native Bradford Pear November 27, 2006 Hi, can you please give me some information about the "bradford flowering pear"? I live in Hutto,Tx. I want to know if this is a good tree to plant. What are the benefits of choosing this tree and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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