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 | |
Sedges or grasses for sun/shade in Georgetown, TX March 24, 2008 I have an area that is part shaded (under oak trees) and part in the sun. I would like cedar sedge in the shaded areas (some is already growing there)but I can not find where to buy it. Do you know w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pros and cons of Hydrocotyl bonariensis as lawn replacement March 22, 2008 Want to convert lawn TO dollar weed! My Garland TX yard has become so shady over the years that I have a hard time with grass. A few years ago I noticed dollar weed in the grass which seemed to cre... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Groundcover for shade in San Antonio March 21, 2008 I have a large red oak tree in the front yard. It is keeping any sun except filtered underneath. Faces n/w and in san antonio. I need a ground cover that is drought tolerant and likes the shade and h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grasses for dry shade in North Central Texas March 09, 2008 I live in North Central Texas and have an area that is 80% shade and a dry soil condition. What native grasses would be suitable for this location? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Selection of shade tree and distance from house February 19, 2008 I live in California in zone 8b. I have seen the lists of trees for my area. I am still not clear on what tree to select. I would like to plant a nice tall shady tree very close to my house, but I wan... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for shady area in Brenham, TX February 19, 2008 I have an area which receives shade all day, but gets a lot of sun just before sunset. What sorts of plants would do well? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Vines for shade in Central Texas February 04, 2008 We'd like to fill in our long expanse of yard fencing with climbing vines. We are limited by 40' live oaks that cut off the sun but surely something works in the shade and heat! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Suggestion for plants to replace grass in semi-shade in NY February 01, 2008 I have an area that is in semi-shade but gets about 4-5 hours of sunlight in the summer. Instead of grass I would like to perhaps use wild flowers or even prairie type grasses. Any suggestions?? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Texas natives that are shade tolerant for Austin, TX January 21, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am looking for Texas native plants that are shade tolerant....specifically agaves (How about the Century Agave and the Queen Victoria Agave?) and something to add a splash ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Landscaping with wildflowers in shade in Maryland January 11, 2008 I'm an old White House Correspondent who covered LBJ as well as Mrs Johnson and knew and admired her. I visited the Wildflower Center with her on one occasion. I hope you will forward this to an appr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |