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
| topic | question | |
| Pruning non-native oleanders September 28, 2011 I have an oleander that has become to "leggy". I read the pruning instructions, but where I want to prune, there are not any leaf nodes. Can I trim below at the base, or will I hurt the plant? I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Source for Abutilon fruticosum (Indian mallow) seeds September 24, 2011 Do you know anyone who has Abutilon Fruticosum (Indian Mallow) seeds for sale? I would love to grow the Indian Mallow, but can't locate a source. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of tree with strawberry-like fruit in North Carolina September 24, 2011 While visiting Boone, North Carolina we walked the Greenway in town. There were a few trees with a round red fruit similar to a strawberry. They were about the size of a penny and a dull red color dot... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native North American bulbs August 19, 2011 I saw your list of 4 lilies native to the Northeastern United States, which was very helpful. What other bulbs are native to North America? Although I garden in Connecticut, I am interested in learn... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Common name of non-native Senna corymbosa (Argentine senna) July 16, 2011 I just had a plant identified as Senna corymbosa. Can you tell me whether it's a Texas native and what its common name is? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More information about Trillium in New Jersey June 23, 2011 Hi, Nan. FYI. The Trillium seeds in question came from the State of Alabama. If you have an interest in seeing photos of this Trillium and two others in my garden, which are different and which I be... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Replacement for non-native St. Augustine in San Antonio May 26, 2011 I have a large oak tree on one side of my front yard. St. Augustine grass does not grow there because of the shade. What do you recommend as a replacement for the St. Augustine? I would like to send... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How to tell the difference between native and European thistles April 19, 2011 How can I tell the difference between invasive (European) thistles and thistles that are native to Texas? And what is the best way to eradicate the invasive varieties? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Nothoscordum bivalve (crow poison, false garlic) really poison April 02, 2011 Your Native Plants Database notes that False Garlic (aka, Crow Poison), Nothoscordum bivalve, is poisonous. Many other sites also state this, but I have been unable to find a reference giving specifi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Stabilizing a steep slope in KY March 31, 2011 We are building a new home and have a very steep hill behind the home. Our highlift operator just cleared it off - I would say about 15 to 20 feet in height and at least 150 feet in length. What wou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |