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
The Hills, TX
Evergreen shrub for northwest-facing wall
Can you suggest a tall (8-10') evergreen shrub for a site against a northwest-facing wall which gets no sun in the winter but full sun in the summer? Texas sage got too leggy and viburnum will be to...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Stressed live oaks from Lakeway TX
I have some Live Oaks who appear to be stressed (Ball Moss is becoming very prevalent on some of them) during the drought in Central TX. How often and how long should I water them? Thank you very much...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Problems with non-native King Sago Palm
My king sago palm has not branched out in over a year. I think it needs to be fertilized. What can I do?
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Screening Planter Recommendations for Lakeway TX
I live in Lakeway in a townhome. The parking lot is directly in front of my unit so I always see headlights and cars. The HOA has agreed to build a planter about 4 feet high to help hide the cars. W...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Non-native Paulownia tree roots around pool in Austin
We live in Lakeway (basically Austin) and planted a Paulownia tree in our back yard. It is growing well. However, since we planted it a couple of years ago we have put in an in-ground pool. During th...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Germinating Milkweed Seeds
When is the best time to plant milkweed seeds outside? I was told when the overnight temperature hits 70 F. (our garden is in Lakeway, Texas). So around late May? Is this when the seeds germinate i...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Oaks emitting substance in Lakeway TX
We have two large oak trees in our yard that are emitting a clear, very sticky, non-fragrant substance. The leaves are beginning to be covered as is our deck. Bees are now attracted and I am worried ...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Seeds or seedlings of Texas madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
Where can I obtain seeds or seedlings of the "Texas Madrone" tree?
Thank You.
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Pruning of non-native nectarine tree from Lakeway TX
Could you describe when and how a nectarine tree should be pruned? Or, give us a resource for such information? Also, when and what type
of treatment/pesticide (?) should one use on it in the Austi...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Problems with Ashe juniper from Lakeway TX
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been living for the last three years in Lakeway, Texas approximately 20 miles west of Austin.
In my back garden there are several ashe junipers about 15-20ft tall. However...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Plants for a dry hillside in central Texas
We need to plant some plants or grasses on a 3/4 acre sloaping hillside which does not get watered. Any recommendations for native grasses or plants which don't need care and will keep the lot from e...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Growing Conditions for Yucca cernua
Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua:
I bought many lovely plants at the Wildflower Center sale on Friday, among them, a Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua. 24 of the 25 plants I bought are already in the grou...
view the full question and answer
Lakeway, TX
Nutgrass in Lakeway TX Habiturf
I just installed a new septic system with drip field. Planted habiturf over the whole area. The habiturf is doing good, but I was away for a while and the nut grass has taken over several areas. It s...
view the full question and answer
Bee Cave, TX
Container plants for part shade in Bee Cave TX
Dear Mr Smarty Pants,
I am looking for plants that will thrive on my covered porch in 3 tall planters. These are meant to help me block an unattractive view out my living room window, so they must...
view the full question and answer
bee caves, TX
Growing butterfly weed as a girl scout project
We have a group of girl scouts who want to sell 'crafts' at a farmers market. I am wanting to steer the moms and girls in a different direction. I was wondering if you think that butterfly weed woul...
view the full question and answer
Bee Cave, TX
Plant identification
What is the name of the beautiful pink flowers with tiny Orchid-like blossoms occurring now all alongside the highways in the Bee Cave, TX and hill country area? Is it "slenderleaf false foxglove",...
view the full question and answer
Briarcliff, TX
Plant for hummingbirds shelter in Briarcliff TX
I am looking to grow a container plant for the birds to enjoy on my back deck. A little greenery and possibly a place to rest for the birds would be great. This faces west and has no shade. There a...
view the full question and answer
Briarcliff, TX
Mexican sycamore for Briarcliff, TX
I would like to plant a sycamore in my yard. I have searched and do not see info on the Mexican sycamore on this website. Is this not recommended in Central Texas for planting? I cannot find the Am...
view the full question and answer
Lago Vista, TX
Companion plants for irises
Hello...what do you suggest as a companion plant for irises? I live in the Texas Hill Country.
Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Lago Vista, TX
Problems with non-native peach trees from Lago Vista TX
I have two peach trees that are setting fruit. Last year the small fruit had sap coming out of most of them. When they ripened there was a rotten spot in each of them. I had to throw most of them aw...
view the full question and answer
Lago Vista, TX
Transplanting seedlings washed out of area by rain
I sowed a rather large area in my wild back yard in wildflowers. There is no grass. A few weeks later after we had been watering them because of no rain (in Sept), we got way too much rain and many o...
view the full question and answer