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 | |
| Breaking dormancy of native seeds November 22, 2006 The science of seed preservation seems to be well advanced. However, Jill Nokes' book appears to be the only well-known information about breaking dormancy of native seeds. I'm grateful that she w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identifying gender of persimmon trees October 23, 2006 How can you tell the difference between a male persimmon tree and a female persimmon tree? Also do you need both to bear the fruit? I live in Louisiana and never heard of this before. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Restoring and propagating rhododendrons October 18, 2006 I have 70+ year old native rhododendrons (16+ feet high) in my backyard. After all these years they are beginning to get dammaged by snow load and ice. Therefore I have 2 quesitons concerning these b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Practicality of growing bluebonnets in Germany July 28, 2006 I am originally from Texas, but I am living in Washington and moving to Germany for the military. I desperately miss bluebonnets and my husband picked up a big bag for me as a present and have no ide... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Grapes Grown from Seed July 21, 2006 Can mustang grapes be grown from seed? If so, how is the best way and when is the best time to do it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagating Carya illinoinensis in Vienna, Austria July 13, 2006 I'm interested in growing and propagating the pecan, Carya illinoiensis for my area (Austria). Northern pecans are the better choice. Are trees grown from seed (no northern pecan origin) also as har... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Leaves falling off recently transplanted mature Mountain Laurel July 05, 2006 I have recently purchased a Mountain Laurel for my backyard landscaping. It is a fully matured ML standing over 9 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Since it was planted (about 6 weeks ago) it has been losin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting Mustang Grapes June 15, 2006 What is the best way to grow mustang grapes? We have vines established over the property but up too high to continue to harvest and a couple of young vines on the ground that haven't reached the clo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting an immature Sweet Bay Magnolia May 30, 2006 Hi Mr. Smarty Pants: I just found what I think is a Magnolia Sweet Bay growing wild next to an oak and a pine tree in my back wooded yard. It has blooms on it and is about 2 feet tall. There are tw... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting of yucca plants May 26, 2006 We have several Arkansas Yucca plants in our yard that we want to transplant to a plant bed. How do we do that? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |