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?
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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Herbal properties of Dicentra formosa January 23, 2016 I would like to get some information on the Dicentra formosa plant such as the benefits of the plant. Is it poisonous? Can it be infused in an oil? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Edible Plants of Florida April 06, 2015 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants My name is Gabriel Bedoya; Im anthropologist, with large experience in research of traditional culinary, symbolic systems and native kitchens. Due to my experience in those s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are Viguiera dentate leaves toxic to dogs? November 26, 2014 Many dogs on the Turkey Creek Nature Trail in Emma Long Metropolitan Park love to snack on the leaves of the Viguiera Dentata plants. The leaves SEEM to be harmless. I am writing to request informat... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrub with thorns, black fruit and citrus fragrance in Michigan September 19, 2014 I'm not sure that my plant is a native, but I'm hoping to find some answer. There is a small patch of roadside shrubs on my property which I've been unable to identify. They have simple opposite ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Lists of medicinal plants from New York City April 11, 2014 Do you know any resources for lists of medicinal plants native to New York? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Different colors of Argemone spp. from McAllen TX March 16, 2014 I took pictures of at least 5 colors of pricklepoppy today. Is this common to have so many colors in one area? How do I harvest the seedpods and when is the best time to do so? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Lippia alba for sale at Wildflower Center June 09, 2013 Do you have this plant for sale Lippia Alba. thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Sharing Selfheal with Texas Friends April 25, 2013 I have discovered selfheal plants in my yard. When and how do I collect the seeds or do I just dig up plants to share with friends? I understand this is actually an herb. I love identifying wildflower... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Edible and Medicinal Plant Resources for West Texas March 02, 2013 I am a teacher of gifted and talented students in Paint Rock, Texas. We were looking for a reliable book or website for edible and medicinal plants in West Texas. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Food and medicinal value of Parsley Hawthorn March 01, 2013 I have found several sites that talk about how the parsley hawthorn is edible and how the hawthorn berry in general is really great for the heart, but I did not find any mention of this on your info a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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