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
Oak Ridge , NC
Tentative identification of Viola sagittata
I am trying to find name of wildflower, Violet growing in adjoning woods. I have not been able to find it on internet. The non-basal leaves are very irregular in shape, grow to six inches, no two ali...
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Stokesdale, NC
Fast-growing hedge for North Carolina.
I am looking for a fast-grownig evergreen hedge that can be kept no taller than 6 feet. It will be grown in partal sun facing north
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Winston-Salem, NC
Live Oak Leaf Drop in North Carolina
We planted a 15 foot, approx. 3" caliber live oak tree last summer and it seemed very healthy throughout our unusually cold winter in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. (Winston-Salem). Now it's ...
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Winston-Salem, NC
Can I Divide Rudbeckia in July in NC.
How do I transplant Blackeyed Susans so I can add them to other parts of the bed. I started with one and it is crowding out other plants, so I would like to transplant to other parts of the yard.
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Winston-Salem, NC
Replacing non-native Paulonia tomentosa in North Carolina
What could I plant in my Winston-Salem, N.C., yard in place of the paulownia tomentosa which is there now (it was NOT something I put there; I only figured out what it was a couple of years ago -- I g...
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Winston-Salem, NC
Plants to stop creek bank erosion in North Carolina
Hi:
I live in NC where most of the dirt is clay based. I have a small creek behind my house that is eroding. The creek overflows when there is a heavy rain and as a result, gradual erosion. My g...
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Winston-Salem, NC
Control of invasive vine in North Carolina
Hi, I live in Piedmont NC, have vines that twine around my shrubbery and are impossible to pull out of the ground w/o breaking because they are so thin/delicate. The leaves are maple-like (3 lobes), ...
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Winston-Salem, NC
Privacy Screening of House Next Door in NC
Hello, I live in the house my parents bought in 1971 in Winston-Salem, NC. The house beside me is an eyesore and for sale at a very low price. I am afraid the condition of the house and yard next door...
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Winston-Salem, NC
Need a tree with a tap root for a small flower bed in Winston-Salem, NC..
Dear Mr Smarty Plants,
I am looking for a tree 6-10', somewhat spreading, could flower (not essential) to serve as a focal point in a small bed with small shrubs and perennials. I need a tree with ...
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Archdale, NC
Planting non-native peach seed from Archdale NC
Planting and watering peach seeds. Can you give advice for my 12 year old who has recently planted some peach seeds in our yard in Archdale NC? Is the fall okay for planting? Watering instructions? I...
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Greensboro, NC
Odor and flavor of oils in Mints as insect repellants
I am trying to find information on "How does mint plants repel insects" It's for my grand daughter's science project. Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you
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Greensboro, NC
Assistance in photographing Turnera diffusa in Rio Grande Valley
Do you know where I can photograph a specimen of Turnera diffusa Willd. ex J.A. Schultes var. aphrodisiaca? I'll be in Texas in May and it is on my list to try and locate. I understand it grows in ...
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Greensboro, NC
Groundcovers & Shrubs for Shade in North Carolina
Mr Smarty Pants,
My neighbor planted cypress trees as a border between his yard and ours and it is sucking up every drop of water and nutrient. We also have a purple plum in the area which creates ...
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Greensboro, NC
Planting times for aquatic plants from Winston Salem NC
I need to know the correct time of year to plant the following pond plants
Swamp Rose Mallow, Southern Blue Iris, Soft Rush, American Bur-reed, American lotus, Woolgrass and Duck Potato
Is it better...
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Greensboro, NC
Care of butternut trees (Juglans cinerea) with bumpy growths
I have two small butternuts, around 3-4 feet. One has developed very 'bumpy' reddish growths on the leaves that are actually stunting their growth. What do you think it is and what can i do to sto...
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Greensboro, NC
Patience for slow-growing Baptisia
I have three different varieties of well established Baptisia that I have had for several years ... none of them bloom. One of my plants got a very small flower in April, but just pooped out after th...
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Greensboro, NC
Care for non-native mandevilla in Greensboro, NC
I bought two potted mandevilla vines last year and read on a website for winter care to cut the vine back at least a foot from the soil. However this spring going into summer it has barely produced an...
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Trinity, NC
Information on care and transplant of non-native Bamboo in North Carolina
I am considering transplanting some bamboo from my backyard to my side yard in Northern Randolph County,
Central Piedmont, North Carolina. Could you offer me any pointers on a direct ground to gro...
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King, NC
What is white sticky substance in the Mandevilla vine?
When I was watering my Mandevilla one of the vines broke and there was a white, sticky substance that came out of the vine. I was just curious as to what that is.
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Pleasant Garden, NC
Carolina Jasmine failing to turn green in Pleasant Garden NC
We planted Carolina Jasmine last year and it did great. This Spring we only have about 2-3 small green leaves beginning on the vines. We did not cut them back in the Fall. Is it time for them to be tu...
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Lexington, NC
Hibiscus to grow in partial shade in North Carolina
What variety of hibiscus can I plant in Lexington, NC? Are there any variaties that tolerate partial shade?
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