Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might 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
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
Mountain Ranch, CA
Smarty Plants on Wildflowerology
I know there is a word for everything, but I can't find the offical word for the study of wildflowers. Wildflowerology just doesn't sound right. Can you help?
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Glencoe, CA
Trees to plant around horse corrals
I would like to know what types of trees would be good to plant around my horse corrals.
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Angels Camp, CA
Methods of planting state wildflowers on roadsides in California
My garden club is initiating a program to plant state hwy 49 within our county with our state flower, California Poppy. Do you have information on using hydroseeding as a method of planting?
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Pine Grove, CA
Dill-like plant in veggie garden in California
I have a plant that appeared in my veggie garden. Looks like dill in spring when green, but the leaves smell more like turpentine! Now, 4-5 foot tall, brown, it produces lots of small, oval - not cr...
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Pine Grove, , CA
Smarty Plants wild sweet pea
We were asked if the seed pods of the wild sweet pea are edible. (California)
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Sonora, CA
Non native crape myrtle changing bloom colors in Sonora CA
I have a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle that was planted a little over a year ago. Last year the bloom was a beautiful deep red and this year it is a Mauvie pink. Is there something I can do to bring it back...
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sonora, CA
No Grapes on Vines in Sonora, CA
We have lived in our home since 2002 and have a grapevine that grows beautiful green lush leaves and vines every year but never has produced grapes. What can I do to get some grapes on this vine?
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Sonora, CA
Understory plants for Tuolumne Co., CA
My driveway is lined with purple plum trees. I would like to grow something underneath them. What can I grow that will not harm the root system/health of the trees?
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Sonora, CA
Coreopsis failing to bloom in Sonora CA
My Coreopsis buds form and then die. Very few open. The plants are two and three years old, in a clay type soil. Is it possible they're getting too much water, and that is whats making the buds die ...
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Lockeford, CA
Sticky leaves on non-native weeping willow
Our weeping willow trees look healthy but have sticky leaves that attach to everything. They sparkle/shine from this very sticky mess. They are watered regularly, are they getting too much water? ...
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Diamond Springs, CA
Trimming oak threatening fence in California
I live in Diamond Springs,California,I have a large oak tree growing between my neighbors' house and mine. A large branch is cracked and in danger of falling on my fence,I would like to lighten it up...
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Placerville, CA
Disease and soil disturbance effects on Pacific madrone
I have a couple acres, here in Northern California Sierra Nevada foothills. My property has many, many trees - quite a few are the beautiful (yet messy!) Arbutus menziesii, or Pacific Madrone. Some ...
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Galt, CA
Are non-native Chinese pistache poisonous to alpacas from Galt CA
Are Chinese Pistachio trees poisonous to alpacas?
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Waterford, CA
Non-fruiting Willamette raspberry plant in Wateford CA
I have a 2 year old Willamette Raspberry plant that has many blooms, bees, great growing conditions, very healthy but has never set one fruit. I know about pruning. Any suggestions? It has been bloomi...
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Waterford, CA
Beneficial characteristics of Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed)
I have a surprise Polk weed plant growing in my back yard, does it have any beneficial uses,and if not, how best to eradicate it. Thank you.
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Waterford, CA
Information about empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
I have an Empress Tree, 3 yrs old, and the limbs grow straight out from the trunk about 2-3ft and then grow straight upward. When do they start to grow outward for a canopy??
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El Dorado Hills, CA
Propagation of Pacific dogwood
When do I plant Pacific dogwood seeds?
How deep and far apart should they be planted?
The elevation will be around 5k.
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El Dorado Hills, CA
Non-native blue potato bush in El Dorado Hills CA
I have two blue potato bush topiary planted in my front porch in a very big planter. It's getting a full afternoon sun. I am wondering why they are losing their leaves??? Am I overwatering them??? Al...
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Stockton, CA
Spots on non-native naval orange trees from Stockton CA
I have two mature Navel Orange trees. One tree has developed spotty chlorophyl depleted areas that were not on the oranges when they were smaller. In addition, the oranges on both trees are smaller ,...
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Stockton, CA
Fruit on Jasmines
My jasmines have grown some small purple fruits and she is about to get her full bloom soon. Should I cut them off to help the plants out? What are they?
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Folsom, CA
Folsom CA Wall-cover
I live in Folsom, CA and I have an ugly cinder block wall that I want to cover, I want something that is low maintenance and that is going to grow and spread into my grass. The only one i can really t...
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