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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| Problems with Monterrey Oak in Austin March 26, 2013 We had a local tree service plant two Monterrey Oak trees on 4/2/2012. At the time we noticed that woodpeckers had had a field day on the trunk bark of both trees with the most damage being on the lar... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of tiny blue flower blooming in February March 18, 2013 There is a very small four petal flower that appears near the end of Winter. (This year they appeared in late Feb). These little flowers are a "Light Blueish" hue. They are around a quarter inch ac... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| How to tell the difference between native and non-native thistles March 13, 2013 It's thistle time already. There are many plants in the aster family with thistle in their common name. Are "real" thistles only those in the genus Cirsium, or are there others as well? We are tryi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bringing Non-native Cannas out of Winter Storage February 15, 2013 Mr. Smarty Plants - Is it possible to force canna tubers? Would placing them on a heating pad help? I am in Ohio - zone 5. Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Unrecognized grass in Habiturf from Spicewood TX February 07, 2013 I purchased 2 bags of Habiturf from the Wildflower Center and planted it in late September. Now, early February, the predominant grass is not any of the 3 supposed components of the Habiturf, but look... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Hardiness of Acerola bush for Conway AR January 25, 2013 How far north can you grow an Acerola bush? I live in Conway, AR, which is north of Little Rock.We used to be Zone 7, but now we are on the edge of Zone 8, I believe. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestion for a replacement tree in Dallas, TX. January 23, 2013 We are going to have a 25' tall tree removed and ground out because every year squirrels chew the branches and make huge piles on the deck and into the pool. This continues for a good month 1.5. Hen... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Where can white prickly poppy be viewed en mass from Baton Rouge LA? January 16, 2013 Does the center feature the native White Prickly Poppy? When is prime blooming season? Can you give me some specific locations in the area where the plant can be seen en mass and photographed? Thank... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native Plants for Shaded North Slope in Ohio January 03, 2013 I have a shaded north hillside which needs erosion control plants. Mostly moss and very thin grass grows there now. Please help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Prickly pear doing poorly on Long Island NY December 27, 2012 First, thanks for your reply on 11-3-12, re.Can a prickly pear cutting from Harker Heights, TX find happiness in Long Island, NY. The plants were set before a southern window in the attic, temp. ra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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