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
Ada, OK
Will buffalograss thrive in Ada OK?
Would buffalo grass thrive in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, where my sandy loamie soil struggles with summer droughts?
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Wanette, OK
Rust spots on non-native red tip photinia
I live in Oklahoma and my red tips have rust spots on leaves and some plants are losing leaves. This is a clay soil; can you give me any info. on how to solve this problem?
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Sulphur, OK
Why do the leaves of my potted Esperanza plant look droopy?
My Esperanza plant leaves look droopy. I have it in a big pot and have for 3 years.
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Sulphur, OK
School children planting trees native to Oklahoma and North Texas
Hello, I'll be going into grade school classrooms to teach children how to plant trees. Perhaps they will each plant a seed in a cup to take home to plant in their yard. I may even be able to get see...
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Wewoka, OK
Is conium maculatum safe for cataracts from Wewoka OK
My doctor has prescribed conium maculatum for my cataract problems. Is this safe to use in the eyes?
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Stuart, OK
Low growing annuals for OK shaded slope.
I have a heavily shaded slope on the north, west, and south side of my home. Can you suggest some low growing annuals (flowering, or not) that would allow me to beautify my property.
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Shawnee, OK
Identification of bush/vine with purple berries
I was clearing fence line and came across this plant it looks like a Bush but underneath grows like a vine it has long broad leaves that reminded me of Polk salad but it grows berry clusters the berri...
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Shawnee, OK
Is it possible to eat one nightshade berry and live?
Can I eat one nightshade berry and live? I am 18.
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Atoka, OK
Smarty Plants on Pittosporum
Need to know if "PITTOSPORUM" (TOBIRA VARIEGATA) will grow in my area of SE OK. I have purchased two of them and the nursery said that they would do great. Just needed an extra opinion.
Than...
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Norman, OK
Groundcover Suggestion for OK
I need your suggestion for a groundcover for a flower bed in the sun and in the shade in Oklahoma.
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Norman, OK
Plant identification in Norman, OK
I have two large plants in my back yard that just sprang up on their own this year. They are beautiful and the butterflies and bees love them. I think they are a type of milkweed, but they don't lo...
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Norman, OK
Project involving wildflower seeds for Earth Day
Hello, I am trying to find a relatively quick and easy project involving wildflower seeds for an Earth Day Celebration. We have roughly 1,000 kids come through. In the past I have done wildflower se...
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Norman, OK
Is Liatris spicata through blooming from Norman OK
We have a Liatris spicata, I thought it was done blooming (dried tops), so I cut them off. Will it come back and bloom again? What can I do?
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McAlester, OK
Failure to bloom of non-native Althea in Oklahoma
I have 2 Althea bushes that will not bloom. For the past 2 years, they become covered in buds, which eventually yellow, but never open. The buds are fully developed. This year the branches have starte...
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Moore, OK
Transplant shock in my Nuttall Oak tree in Moore, OK.
I had a Nutall oak tree planted; it is 5 inches in diameter and about 24 feet tall. It was planted in March of this year, leafed out ok; now since June 20th I have had a large quantity of the leaves t...
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Blanchard, OK
Plants to stop erosion on creek side
I need plants for a westside slope to a creek that will help with erosion, need fast growing and likes lots of sun. Thank you,
Mr. Smarty Plants
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Midwest City, OK
Problems with Crape Myrtles in Oklahoma.
I planted Crape Myrtles,Catawba, that are about 4 feet high. I planted them last October. They all had new leaves on them a week ago. All of the leaves are now brown and shriveled up. There is a t...
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Oklahoma City, OK
Rain garden Plants for Colorado
Can you recommend native plants for a rain garden in Colorado Springs
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Oklahoma City, OK
Need suggestion for a tree with a tap root in Oklahoma City, OK.
I would like to know the best tree to plant in my area that does well. Would like a tap root tree and also a tree that will not mess with my septic lines.
Thank you
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Oklahoma City, OK
Plant identification
I have a plant similar to sheepshire. It has red leaves and yellow blooms exactly like the green variety. We brought it here to Oklahoma from Wyoming. I would like to know what it's called and where ...
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Oklahoma City, OK
Mosquito repellent plant?
I would like to know if there is a plant that keeps mosquitoes away. Thanks
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