Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members 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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Smarty Plants Question Topics
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| Identifying a plant similar to sarsaparilla September 04, 2011 I am trying to identify a plant that looks very similar to sasparilla, but has a ring of blue berries at the end of a long stalk, and the plant itself is spreading, not an isolated herb like sasparill... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| A garlic plant with only one clove in Ft. Worth, TX? August 08, 2011 Is there a garlic that does not have cloves? I have been using what appears to be garlic from my garden and it is garlicy, hot and delicious. I have spent many hours online but cannot find this garlic... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Jelly made from local plums from Amarillo TX July 29, 2011 On Wednesday, August 5, 2009 you answered a question on native plants in the Austin area in which you wrote:"Two kinds of local plums have also been used to make jellies: Mexican Plum (Prunus mexican... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible from Fairfax VA June 01, 2011 Is the nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is Thalia dealbata toxic to dogs? May 16, 2011 A pond in a park frequented by dogs contains Thalia dealbata and I have seen numerous dogs eating the roots with relish, which we discourage, of course. They seem to really enjoy it though. Aft... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of a plant with bumpy red fruit April 26, 2011 I have a bush with red berry like pods on it. They are about 3/4 of an inch bumpy round with a big seed inside. The leaves are smooth and oval shape. Please let me know if it is poisonous or not, and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Looking for fruit and nut trees to plant in San Augustine, TX April 05, 2011 I am setting up residence in San Augustine, Texas on approximately 9 acres of land. We wanted to plant a few of each type of fruit and nut trees that would prosper in the area (for wildlife and for o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Information about Cedar Sage from Austin March 11, 2011 I am new to the Austin area and was wondering about cedar sage (salvia roemeriana). Is this plant considered aromatic, non-aromatic of chia? And, other than the edible flower are other parts of the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Jersalem artichoke as a medicinal herb February 05, 2011 I am having trouble with high cholesterol and coming up on being borderline diabetic and I am overweight. I know that Jerusalum Artichoke helps lower blood sugar. Am into herbs and J.A. is hard to l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Culture of Polytaenia nuttallii, Prairie Parsley January 21, 2011 Polytaenia nuttallii is listed at the Wildflower Center as a biennial. PLANTS database lists it as a perennial. Please clear this up if you can. If I plant this at home with tomato plants will it... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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