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.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
Search Smarty Plants
| topic | question | |
| Recommendations for mature oak for Austin October 08, 2008 Mr. smarty pants- We would like to purchase a mature oak tree and have it planted in our yard in Austin. Recommendations, things to be aware of, you know, the general smarty pants treatment. Thank y... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Small native evergreen tree for Long Island, NY October 06, 2008 Hi, I am looking for an evergreen tree to plant on Long Island NY. I plan on planting it in my front yard. At maturity to about 10-15ft about 5 ft wide. Not sure about soil, the area gets good AM sun ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning for native oak in Houston October 06, 2008 I have an oak tree, and I was wondering if I prune from the top down, would it get fuller at the bottom? Or can you tell me how to prune it? I have been pruning from the bottom up and it is growing ta... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Viability of Cupressus macrocarpa in Arvada, Colorado October 06, 2008 Can I plant lemon cypress in Arvada CO, zone 5, as landscaping plant? Can't find zone information. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Small, slow-growing native tree for Houston October 05, 2008 Can you please recommend a pretty, small, slow growing tree for my bed centerpiece? It gets some sun/partial shade in front of my Houston area north facing home and must survive heat and some drought... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Lightning protection of smooth bark cypress October 05, 2008 I have been told that the smooth bark cypress stores a large amount of water at its base and if lightning strikes, it will explode and extinguish the flames. Could you tell me if this is a myth? I'... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Replacement for dead oak tree after hurricane October 01, 2008 Mr. Smarty Plants, It still is hard to believe but my dead Oak tree survived H.Ike! Now that I've gotten that dreaded letter from the HOA, they want me to replace it with at least a 45 gallon tree.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Trophy tree for Spicewood, Texas September 30, 2008 I want to plant a trophy Mesquite at the bottom of the hill, in Spicewood. I'm told that it may not flourish, because of the soil in my area. If that is the case, what would be a striking tree as a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native trees for property in Washington State September 29, 2008 We bought a piece of property on Lake Wenatchee, Washington. It was cleared more than we would like and want to know what types of trees grow well there and can handle the snow. Should I wait until ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants native to Central New Jersey September 28, 2008 What trees are native to Central New Jersey? Also, can you give me a website or information on plant life and tree life in Central New Jersey? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |