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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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Tuesday - June 13, 2006

From: Hubert, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Transplants
Title: Transplant of non-native Lathyrus tuberosus in North Carolina
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

I have a tuberous sweetpea vine that grows wild on our property. When would be a good time to move this plant to a better location?

ANSWER:

Tuberous Sweetpea, Lathyrus tuberosus, is native to Europe and Asia and as such is not a species that the Wildflower Center has much knowledge of. While this species is not currently listed on any North American invasive species lists, it certainly has the potential to become a problem here as it has in Australia.

We hope you will consider a native alternative to Tuberous sweetpea, but you can safely transplant your vine during its dormant season. It can also be propagated by seed.

 

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