Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Questions From Near You
Marana, AZ
Potential longevity of Century Plant bloom stalk from Marana AZ
What is the potential longevity of a Century Plant stalk/bloom? I would like to use it in my yard for ornamentation. Will it last for weeks, months or years or decompose relatively quickly?
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Marana, AZ
Transplanting blue agave pups in Arizona
I have a blue Agave with lots of pups, how do I transplant a few pups into planters. What kind of soil and how much water will they need?
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Marana, AZ
Problems with non-native semi-dwarf peach tree
We live in Marana Arizona and have a semi dwarf peach tree, that is only 6 feet tall and is 3 years old. This year we have about 800 small peaches on it and all of the branches and on the ground. We h...
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Tucson, AZ
Range and adaptability of evening primrose from Tucson AZ
What is the natural range of the evening primrose?
What adaptations does it have to live in the arid Southwest?
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Tucson, AZ
Shade trees for Tucson AZ
I need to plant some "fast growing" trees or shrubs on my southwest yard in order to reduce the heat in my bedroom. What do you suggest?
I live in Tucson, Arizona.
Thank you in advance. I'm...
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Tucson, AZ
Is Cissus trifoliata a food source for wildlife?
We apparently have Cissus Trifoliata growing around and over our porch.I was thinking about trying to remove it and plant grape vines instead as our desert tortoises will eat grape leaves. My question...
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Tucson, AZ
Instructions on posting photos of plant for ID
I need help identifying an adopted tree. How do I post the picture so I can show you? It's a odd one I've never seen.
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Tucson, AZ
Will Texas Mountain Laurel roots damage pipes in Tucson AZ?
We have a Texas Laurel tree in our back yard,and it is doing fine, and we are are planning to put another one in the front yard close to the house will the root system attack our pipes ? no septic sys...
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with non-native Chinaberry tree from Tucson AZ
I have a 30+ year old Chinaberry tree and this year the branches are much sparser with leaves and there are a lot of small dead branches. Should I fertilize and what should I use? Thank you
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with Texas wild olive tree in Tucson
Planted a Texas Olive tree in Tucson, Az. Some of the leaves are kind of yellow. It gets part sun and part shade and is growing. Is this due to too much water, not enough water or does it need somet...
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with Green Cloud cenizo in Tucson, AZ
I have a large number of Green Cloud Texas Rangers on my property. I water all very consistently, once a week and most of these are around 5-6 ft tall and 15 years or more old. We've only had a few i...
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Tucson, AZ
Separate pups on Manfreda variegata in Tucson
Can you tell me the best way to separate pups on a Manfreda variegata? The first ones we tried were very close to the main plant. Your help is appreciated.
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Tucson, AZ
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant?
Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant?
I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant.
Tha...
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Tucson, AZ
Disappearance of leaves on desert willow in Tucson AZ
We have a Lois Adams Desert Willow (Tucson, Az). The leaves will pump out and then a day or so later, all of the leaves are gone. The only bugs we've seen on it are very, very small ants. Could this ...
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Tucson, AZ
Starting Tecoma stans seedlings
I planted and germinated several (about 40) seeds from my Tecoma stans plant and they all sprouted and grew very nicely. They are now about 6 weeks old and they don't seem to be making any more prog...
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Tucson, AZ
Identification of plant with red beans Catalina Mts., Arizona
While hiking at the base of the Catalina Mts. near Tucson in Jan., I came across a plant, the pods of which were open, displaying a bright red bean. I took some of the beans to plant in my yard. I was...
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Tucson, AZ
Propagating Texas Mountain Laurel by seed from Tucson AZ
Propagation of Texas Mountain Laurel from seed
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Tucson, AZ
Source for Texas Olive Tree from Tucson AZ
Can one start a Texas Olive Tree from the olives it produces? How can you start one. I am having difficulty finding a nursery, but do see the trees around.
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Tucson, AZ
Propagation of Juniperus deppeana by seed
Hello,
I am interested in any info you can provide me on alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) seed propagation.
Thank you.
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Tucson, AZ
Male and Female Rhus virens Differences?
I would like to plant a Rhus virens in my yard to attract birds. I want to make sure I get a female plant so there will be berries. How can I tell a male from a female plant?
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Tucson, AZ
Native Plant for a Sunny South-facing House Wall in Tucson
I have a problematic block wall on the south side of the house and I what a plant to soften the look of the wall. I tried butterfly bush which I'm told died from of bounce-back heat from the wall. I ...
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