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
Vero Beach, FL
When will angels trumpet bloom in Vero Beach, FL?
At what age or height will my angel's trumpet be able to produce flowers?
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Vero Beach, FL
Plants for bioswale in Vero Beach FL
Can you recommend plantings for bioswales located in Volusia County area of Florida?
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Fellsmere, FL
Care for non-native, invasive Bauhinia variegata
I live in Fellsmere just south of Melbourne and we have about 5 orchid trees on our property; one is fairly tall, about 20 ft, and the others are about 6 ft tall. My smaller ones have several air p...
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Ft. Pierce, FL
Locating non-native rue in Ft. Pierce, FL
I am trying to find the herb rue in Ft. Pierce FL. Can any one refer me to a herb store that sells the plant? I've looked everywhere.
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Port Saint Lucie, FL
Identification of small tree in Florida
I live in Port Saint Lucie, FL. We have a few trees (?) growing in our yard I would like to i.d. They seem to grow quickly have smooth leaves that grow opposite one another and the underside of the ...
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Port St Lucie, FL
Plant barrier to block view and noise of Florida Turnpike
I live in Port St Lucie FL and my development backs to Florida turnpike. We want to plant to block noise and view.
Any suggestions?
thank you
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Port St Lucie, FL
Propagation of Cordyline fruticosa from Port St. Lucie FL
Hawaiian Ti Plant, Good Luck Plant, Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
I found 4 of these cut without roots. What is the best way to have them grow roots? Directly in water, moist soil, or regular soil...
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Palm Bay, FL
Difficulty with Clay Soil from Palm Bay, FL
I had a very nice little native shady area behind my house for over 40 years, but now it has been cleared except for a 100 foot tall live oak in the center of this raised mound (50' x 80'). I've be...
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Palm Bay, FL
Identifcation of four o clock-like flower
I've run across a flower I cannot find any information on. I saw it in West Virginia. I know that a pix might be needed to identify, but, since this is somewhat unusual, I thought possibly you might...
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Stuart, FL
Non-native mango in pool area in Stuart FL
We are landscaping a backyard and want to put in a pool. He wants to keep the huge mango tree that overhangs part of the pool area, I don't really care but would like to know what other fast growing...
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Stuart, FL
Identification of lily in Florida Savannas Preserve State Park
I found a lily blooming in the Savannas Preserve State Park in Martin County Florida. It is similar to a Michaux lily but doesn't have apparent spots. The foliage is also different from photos I ha...
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Stuart, FL
Plants in bloom in April in Stuart FL
Can you tell me which plants I might reasonably expect to see in bloom in April of this year?
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Melbourne, FL
Is the orchid tree (Bauhinia lunarioides) poisonous to dogs?
is the orchid tree (bauhinia) poisonous to dogs?
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Okeechobee, FL
Fast-growing, Horse-safe Pasture Tree for Okeechobee, FL
I'm looking for a fast growing tree to plant in pasture that's safe for horses.
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Merritt Island, FL
Bark splitting on non-native Royal Poinciana in tree in Merritt Island FL
Information on splitting bark along the branches like an overstuffed sausage: A royal Poinciana tree, about 5 years old. The upper branches are doing this, although I'm afraid little splits or tear...
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Merritt Island, FL
Non-native Coconut palms and Christmas palms in Merritt Island, FL
Last winter the coconut and Christmas Palms all suffered. I have coconuts to plant, but can't get them to put forth a sprout, and eventually grow into a tree. I have put some in the ground half-way....
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Merritt Island, FL
Bark of unidentified tree splitting in Merritt Island FL
The bark on this 5 yr. old tree is splitting along its branches, like a sausage link splitting along its sides. Almost as if it is/was over-stuffed. Other than that, there are plenty of leaflets, some...
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Rockledge, FL
Prevention of algae scum on standing water
Because your answer to a previous question has resolved an "issue" referent to proper care of our cordgrass plants, I'm back to ask your advice.
The pond behind our condominium complex is man-ma...
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Rockledge, FL
Dying cactus plants
Two large cactus plants on the grounds of our condominium complex have begun to turn yellow and appear to be dying. A "staple" of our landscaping, this is the first year that they have developed th...
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Rockledge, FL
Trimming of cordgrass plants
We have planted more than 150 cordgrass plants (spartina bakeri) along the edges of the small pond at our condominium complex to try to prevent any further soil erosion between the buildings and the p...
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Jupiter, FL
Chlorine tolerant plants for planters near pool in Florida
I am looking for planting ideas for two planters next to our hot tub/pool. Plants need to withstand chlorine from pool, not attract bees, and take full sun. We are in South Florida. The planters ar...
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