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.
Support NPINHelp grow the Native Plant Information Network by giving to the Plant Database Fund or subcribing to Wildflower magazine.
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
Clarksville, TX
Plant identification
I have a plant that I would like to identify. It is a tall shrub/woody vine? (approx. 8-10 feet) that has very large thorns on its branches and stems. The stems remain green during winter. It loses it...
view the full question and answer
DeKalb, TX
Problems with purple passion flower from DeKalb TX
Yes my purple passion plant, is pretty but there is a piece of it that's all limp, what do I need to do to revive it?
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Ground cover for south-facing yard in Paris, TX
We are moving to Paris, Tx. Our front yard faces south with 2 large sycamores shading it. Grass has a hard time growing here. I'd like to plant groundcover. Think it's sandy loam.
Do you have a...
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Groundcover for shade in Paris, Texas
I have a south exposure with 2 large sycamore trees. Noon sun in patches and mainly dappled shade but not dense. I'm consideering planting asian ivy. The soil is "sandy loam" but it's very sand...
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Need to find a place to buy Western Soapberry in Paris, TX.
Where is the closest place to purchase a Western Soapberry tree?
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Identification of growth on possible oak tree
We have photographed a very unusual bloom or growth on a tree we suspect may be an oak, and would like to submit photos of the bloom, bark, and (leafless) tree to someone for identification. My wild ...
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Non-native Philadelphus Innocence mock orange from Paris TX
What is the best place in the garden to grow Philadelphus Innocence mock orange in Paris, Tx?
Also, how long after transplanting do flowers occur?
Any tips appreciated
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Vinca minor and St. Augustine grass
Will St. Augustine grass choke out vinca minor?
view the full question and answer
paris, TX
Yellow Indian paintbrush, Castilleja indivisa
Does entireleaf Indian paintbrush, Castilleja indivisa, come in yellow in the wild? I have Indian paintbrush in the front pasture and noticed last weekend that there were 5 or 6 that were light yellow...
view the full question and answer
Paris, TX
Ground cover for trails in Northeast Texas
I have several acres of wooded land in Northeast Texas, Southern Lamar County. Both sandy and black land. I have created trails through the woods and would like to plant a native ground cover or gras...
view the full question and answer
Powderly, TX
Perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds
Need 3-6 foot perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds in Paris Texas...full sun, with sprinkler system
view the full question and answer
Mount Pleasant, TX
Native ground covers for shade in East Texas
I live in Mount Pleasant, Texas which is in northeast Texas. I would like a list of ground covers that would do well in our area. The place I want to put it gets a lot of shade. The ground is clay. Th...
view the full question and answer
Mount Pleasant , TX
Grass-planting time in Mt. Pleasant, TX
We are new to Texas and just finished building a house. The builder wants to seed the grass now (December). Will it germinate or will we have to replant in spring?
view the full question and answer
Mt. Pleasant, TX
Will cattle eat non-native Star Jasmine from Mt. Pleasant TX
Will cattle eat Star Jasmine if planted on driveway entrance from pasture?
view the full question and answer
Mt. Pleasant, TX
Removing Purple Top Tridens out of Mt Pleasant Texas
We would like to know how to kill these Purple Top Triden out of our garden. Thanks, Judy
view the full question and answer
Ft. Towson, OK
Native tree for cemetery in Western Oklahoma
My siblings and I are wanting to plant a tree next to my Mother's grave at the cemetery. It is in Western Oklahoma so hot sun and constant high wind are both considerations to choosing the right tree...
view the full question and answer
Simms, TX
Identification of tree or shrub from Simms TX
Thought you might have the expertise to help identify this tree/shrub? They were planted about 10 years ago and started in a pot about 2 feet high. I have photos but not sure how to send them to you; ...
view the full question and answer
Sumner, TX
Best wildflowers for Lamar County TX
What are the best wildflowers for northeast Tx? We live right below the Red River just north of Paris. Can they only be planted by seed in the fall? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
New Boston, TX
Purchase source of Coral honeysuckle from New Boston TX
I have been unable to find a supplier in the listings on your website for Lonicera Sempervirens. Many of them had a variety of different plants listed under this name but none were the 20' species.
...
view the full question and answer
New Boston, TX
Unknown blue flower growing in New Boston, TX
A light blue wildflower, similar to a cosmos, appeared in one of my beds this spring. I've never grown this flower and would like to identify it. The flower also has similarities to a passion flower...
view the full question and answer
New Boston, TX
Is Tagetes lemmonii a Texas native?
Is the Copper Canyon Daisy (Tagetes lemmonii) a native Texas plant?
view the full question and answer