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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - March 10, 2003
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Wildflowers
Title: More on bluebonnets
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
Clover has taken over and just about covered the Bluebonnets. Is there any way of removing the clover such as with fertilizer or something else?ANSWER:
There is not a more effective method of depleting the population of the clover other than by hand removal. This clover, depending on the species, might be an annual, and with diligence, can be eliminated or reduced over a period of years by making sure it does not go to seed and by hand removal as it emerges. Bluebonnets are annuals as well, and letting these plants go to seed will enhance the chances for a future robust population. There might be specific herbicides that you can utilize to reduce these populations more immediately, but you will affect other plants than the target population you are trying to control. Consider long-term when utilizing any herbicide in your landscape.
More Wildflowers Questions
Bees and Bulbs
April 20, 2015 - Are any of the Non-Native bulbs beneficial to bees of any kind? My Dutch hyacinths, and daffodils are so prolific; they are both single, but I can't find any information about them as sources of nect...
view the full question and answer
Information on what Texas wildflowers are disappearing
August 02, 2011 - I was shocked to find that Texas Bluebells were vanishing. What other Texas
wildflowers are vanishing? There is an endangered species list but I want
to help before my wildflower neighbors before t...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for hill with erosion in San Carlos, CA
September 22, 2012 - What wildflowers would you suggest for our hills that have erosion, low ground cover in San Carlos, California?
view the full question and answer
Healthy native plants supporting local economy from Tacoma Park MD
February 17, 2012 - I am collecting information on how healthy native plant communities can support the local economy. Do you think the Texas bluebonnets are a good example of this in Texas? For example, do you know ma...
view the full question and answer
The most common wildflower in North America
January 16, 2008 - Hi Mr. Smartyplants,
What the most common wildflower in North America? My friend thinks it's the oxeye daisy. Is this correct? I work for a puzzle publishing company, and am doing research for a them...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |