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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| Jasminum polyanthum Deer Resistant and Native? March 07, 2015 Are Jasminum polyanthum deer resistant? They are selling these plants at Trader Joe's right now so I'm assuming it's native to our area. But the instructions don't say anything about deer. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Red Shrimp Plant Poisonous for Dogs? March 07, 2015 Is the Red Shrimp Plant poison to dogs? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Controlling non-native Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass) December 07, 2014 Three years ago I bought a pennisetum frutescans grass from a reputable online nursery. It gets no supplemental water, but it is taking over my yard. It is almost 7 feet wide now. Can you tell me how ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of non-native Buddha Belly bamboos November 08, 2014 I have several budha belly bamboos. They froze down last winter. I have got them back to 5 ft. I need them around 8-10 for privacy. Any suggestions? Also how to I protect them this winter? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis November 04, 2014 I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Nativity of various bulbs October 15, 2014 Are the following bulbs native? Chionodoxa forbesii Camassia leichflinii Crocus Sprint tommasinianus Barr's Purple Hyacinthoides hispanica Narcissus 'Actea' Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty' ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Houseplant identification October 15, 2014 Had a houseplant with leaves that were green on the top and purplish on the bottom. The leaves were velvety to the touch. Would like to know what it was. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Kousa Dogwood Fruit Toxic to Dogs? October 14, 2014 Are Kousa dogwood berries toxic to dogs? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning Citrus Suckers October 06, 2014 Mr. Smarty Plants, you are the only person that has "not" insisted that the little balls on Satsuma and lemon trees were clumps of bugs. They are surely what you described in the answer to my previo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Difference in native and non-native cherry laurel October 02, 2014 I have a backyard volunteer that I have identified as a cherry laurel, but how do I tell the Carolina from the non-native? This is still young (2 years or so), and not flowering, at least not now. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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