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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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Thursday - April 07, 2011

From: Stilwell, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Knots on redbuds in Stillwell, OK
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

My redbud has knots all over the limbs. Its been this way for a few years now. I can not find a way to take care of this problem. I don't even know what is causing this. Can you help me?

ANSWER:

About the only indication of what this might be is an article we found from TreeHelp.com. Note the section on Scale Insects, which apparently do cause knots. We don't know if this is the size knot you are experiencing or even what it looks like. Since we are neither entomologists nor plant pathologists, we suggest you contact the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service for Adair Co. They are closer to the situation than we are, and may be able to tell you right off what is causing those knots, and whether they are anything to worry about.
 

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