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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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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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Wednesday - July 02, 2014

From: Rockwall, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native pistacio problem Rockwall, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

I have an eight year old Pistacio tree that has leaves turning brown and falling off. It is June! Why?

ANSWER:

We wish we could be more helpful, but the focus of our research and the extent of our expertise are limited to those plant species native to North America.  Pistacio is native to Eurasia.  Your county's AgriLife Extension Service office should be able to assist you in determining the cause of the problem and possibly finding a remedy.  Good luck!

 

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