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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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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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Questions From Near You

Knightdale, NC
Changing color of non-native crape myrtles
How do you change the color of a bloom on a crape myrtle tree?
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Knightdale, NC
Need a shrub to conceal a privacy fence in Knightdale, NC.
Could you recommend a medium-sized shrub/bush (max height of 6-7 feet) to plant along a privacy fence (purpose is to conceal the fence from the street view per HOA)? I live in Zone 8.
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Raleigh, NC
Vine with big flowers or fruits
I need a vine that will take over a 8ft wide x 12 ft high lattice. It will be the center piece of the front of the house. It will be In sun almost constantly throughout the day. I'd like something wi...
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Raleigh, NC
Identification of Cryptomeria japonica for homeowners association
Good morning. We are wondering if Cryptomeria japonica trees can fit under the term "pine like". We used the term pine like when asking for our home owners associations approval and we put in a Cr...
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Raleigh, NC
Digestive distress from eating Lonicera sempervirens
A friend of mine ate Lonicera sempervirens and it caused a burning sensation in his stomach. What may have caused this sensation?
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Raleigh, NC
Evergreen shrubs for full sun in North Carolina
We need suggestions for native NC evergreen shrubs that will grow well in full sun for a school garden. Most of what I've found likes part shade. We need something that will not be over 10 feet or ca...
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Raleigh, NC
Non-native Ruellia brittonia in Raleigh NC
I have discovered Mexican Petunias this year. I LOVE THEM! Beautiful plant. However, they are so tall and after a rain are leaning badly. Should I tie them back? Will they get stronger as they ma...
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Raleigh, NC
Problems with non-native crape myrtle from Raleigh NC
I have two crepe myrtles that were planted last year, did well all summer long. We had some freezing weather and this spring their buds are brown with little white flakes(very sparingly) and no leaves...
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Raleigh, NC
Need deer resistant plants for a shady north facing garden in Raliegh, NC.
I am in need of Deer Resistant Native Shade plants for a North Facing Garden. It is 3 feet wide by 20 feet long. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you, Eaten Alive
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Raleigh, NC
Growing Texas bluebonnets in North Carolina
I live in North Carolina and love the Texas Bluebonnets. Can I create my own mix of soil to be able to grow them here? Soil is basically red clay and icky.
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Raleigh, NC
Problems with Purple Heart in Raleigh, NC
I was hoping you could help me with an indoor/outdoor houseplant issue. I have a purple heart, that lives outside in the summers and indoors in the winters. I brought it in a few weeks ago and am no...
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Raleigh, NC
Information about Citrus mitis
I was given a Citrus Mitis plant. It has beautiful white flowers and delicious looking tiny oranges.everyone in my office is asking if they're edible?
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Raleigh, NC
Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827 This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
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RALEIGH , NC
Host plant for butterflies in North Carolina
What is the best host plant for butterflies in North Carolina?
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cha, NC
Lantana induced rash
What should I use for a rash caused by a Lantana scratch on my arm
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Garner, NC
Transplant shock in pecan tree in Garner NC
I transplanted a pecan tree about 3 weeks ago & been watering it 3 times a day. The leaves are turning brown & crumbly before I water it. After I water it, the leaves are brown but I can scratch the t...
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Garner, NC
Need native plants to place in chicken coop in Charolette, NC
Hi, I live near Charlotte, NC. I'm looking for native plants that I can plant in my chicken coop that will produce food for the chickens. If they also produced some delicious food for me, I wouldn't...
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Clayton, NC
Safe branch length of oaks in Clayton NC
I have 2 very large oak trees in my yard and I am concerned about the length of the branches over the house and driveway. Most seem larger than 4" in diameter. What is a safe length for these branc...
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clayton, NC
Need a good plant for Clayton, NC.
What would be a good plant for Clayton,NC for this time of year. I would like for it to come back every year so I don't have to replant. I have several full sun areas that I need to cover in the fron...
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Wake Forest, NC
Rain garden plants for NC
I have a small creek at the back of our property, it's normally dry except when it rains. Builders removed the natural plants and left it bare. What native plants could I plant in it to bring it bac...
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Cary, NC
Determination of native plants of North Carolina
I am compiling lists of native plants to use in NC, and found that Dirr (Manual of Woody Landscape Plants) lists introduction dates (xxxx) for MANY of the trees you list as natives, e.g., Acer rubrum ...
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