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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| Ecosysystem with pecan at center from Austin February 21, 2014 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would like to create a native tree guild around a mature pecan. It shares its space with native shrubs and ephemerals but I would like to add a nitrogen fixing plant. I am... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Invasive thistles in wildflower field from Dripping Springs TX February 17, 2014 How to get rid of "native" thistles.. I have a large natural field that used to grow a variety of wildflowers, but in 2011 and 2012 it was taken over by thistles. I'm sure they are "native" Texas... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Live oaks lifting up sidewalks in Palm Coast FL December 12, 2013 My live oak trees roots are lifting up my side walks. Can I cut just the roots that are causing the problem without hurting the trees? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Pruning Roughleaf dogwood November 28, 2013 We put 5 rough-leaf dogwoods along our side deck; having been told (by the local, natural plant seller) that they would reach a maximum height of 6 feet. They have grown taller than that (despite som... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Frost protection for non-native citrus trees from Austin November 24, 2013 With ice predicted, should I pick citrus, lemons, limes, satsumas that are not quite ready? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Do white-tailed deer consume King Ranch bluestem? October 25, 2013 Will white-tail deer in central Texas consume King Ranch bluestem ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Injury from non-native Canary Palm from Torrance CA October 18, 2013 I got stuck in the eye a yr ago by a Phoenix canariensis. It went through my retina and through the integral chamber and put a stamp on my lense. There was no room for any more err without causing bli... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How to get rid of Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed) October 02, 2013 Mr. Smarty-Pants, I have pokeweed growing all over my backyard. I know this plant is poisonous, how do I get rid of it for good? Also, a broad leaf vine that is swallowing my trees whole. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant-related skin rashes from Round Rock TX September 23, 2013 I have been plagued with persistent skin rashes this summer, and it is happening with plants that have never bothered me before, for example, red yucca. The dermatologist says it is a plant reaction,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Eradicating Cucurbita foetidissima (wild gourd) in California August 23, 2013 I live in San Diego County where the wild gourd/stink gourd roams freely and quickly. Any suggestions on how to eradicate. It is extremely invasive and nothing has worked! Thank you, View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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