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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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Monday - August 07, 2006

From: Houston, TX
Region: Other
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native Crape Myrtle
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My local nursery saw the flower and said I have a crape myrtle...is this the common name or botanical name?

ANSWER:

Crape myrtle is the common name. The botanical name is Lagerstroemia indica. It is not native to North America, but has been introduced from Asia and is now naturalized here. It can occur in a variety of colors.
 

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