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Deer Resistance Input from Northern VA
June 22, 2016
Hello. I live in the deer infested woods of Northern VA. I am always looking for plants that deer have little interest in to cover other plants. The deer generally have little interest in mints (Py...
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Recommended Species List for Nova Scotia.
October 12, 2015
Hi, I love your site. I am from Nova Scotia and run an "Invasive Plants Cape Breton" facebook page and also "Cape Breton Garden and Botany Lovers". Was dismayed to find no recommended plants for...
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Oyster Shell source in Austin
September 18, 2015
Hi, I was not sure who to reach out to, but I work for Quality Seafood here in Austin, and we have several gardeners who take our old oyster shells and grind them up or put them in their gardens for ...
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Kudos for Barbara Medford's answer
November 05, 2014
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants (say, should it not be Ms!), No question, just a correction. Please correct my rating from 3 to 5 stars for Barbara Medford's response regarding impatiens, dated Dec. 8, 2007...
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Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
July 02, 2014
Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) is not a native U.S. plant. It was introduced to the U.S. from Europe and is now considered invasive in many parts of the western U.S. It invades our forested wild land...
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User's comment on nativity of Beggar's Lice from Austin
May 20, 2014
I think you were off the mark telling somebody that "beggar's lice" is a Texas native. According to Wikipedia, Torilis arvensis is an invasive species native to Eurasia. Cheers!
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Question about commercial product from Austin
May 19, 2014
Do you carry AquaSmart Pro? There was an article in today\\\'s Statesman about some Sun City people using AquaSmart Pro to save water on their lawns. I am always skeptical about such panaceas. ...
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Retention of essential oils by Ashe Juniper wood from Austin
May 03, 2014
I am looking for information on why local Austin Juniper/Cedar trees are so great at retaining essential oils for aromatherapy. I make pendants for necklaces out of our local fallen cedar trees and ...
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Synchronized blooming of cutleaf evening primrose from Brookshire TX
April 29, 2014
I have cutleaf evening primrose (grandis) that puts on such an enchanting show, opening every evening in late April, precisely at 8:00 , that guests sit in chairs to watch the spectacle. Incredibly, ...
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Highway construction in wildflower areas from Kingsland TX
April 22, 2014
I see no other link to contact about this, except for you. Maybe you can direct me. I just drove Hwy 281 South and a lot of road construction is being done. For many years that I've noticed, there ...
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Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014
https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827 This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
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User comment on native grass mixes from Robstown TX
March 21, 2014
As a followup to my question on seed spreaders, native grass and prairie seed mixes seem a good fit for my location in far western Nueces County which is more semi-arrid than 30 miles away in Corpus w...
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Response to previous answer from Ft. Worth TX
November 07, 2013
What email can I respond to Barbara Medford QUESTION:
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Correction of tree name from Bay Point CA
October 16, 2013
The tree should of been Mulberry don't know how it was changed!! Tuesday - October 15, 2013 From: Bay Point, CA Region: California Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents, Trees Title: Non-...
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Comment on previous answer from Austin
October 15, 2013
Ms Bradford, You just answered my question about St. Augustine grass.. actually, you didn't answer it.. You said "sorry, wrong number". Very funny. I think you misunderstood... I would rather no...
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Responsibility for tree limb removal from Kenosha WI
August 02, 2013
Who is responsible for tree limb removal. Tree limbs are growing in between power wires and are also breaking about to fall. Im renting a house in Kenosha, Wi. Landlord has done nothing.
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Support for non-native, invasive Nandina Domestica from San Antonio, TX
July 09, 2013
I consider nandina domestica to be a perfect plant for San Antonio, but see that it is on the list of invasive plants for surrounding eco-areas. How should I respond regarding one of my favorite land...
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User comments on soils from Austin
July 02, 2013
You had a question this month about chlorosis in a Mexican plum in Bellaire. You correctly, in my opinion, answered that the problem was most likely overwatering. However, I just wanted to point out a...
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You are welcome
May 25, 2013
Dear Mills, You are right. My elm has elm finger galls. Thank you
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Native replacement for bamboo from Houston
May 21, 2013
I've read one reply where you do not advise using Bamboo as a privacy fence plant. What do you suggest in its place? The suggestions on the one I read will not work for me. Your suggestions were My...
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Are agaves really native from Pacific Palisades CA
April 30, 2013
I just replied re agave issues, and mistakenly asked the source of your information. I see that you clearly noted it, apologies. I would note, however, that the Riverside area is very much a hot,...
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Clarification of question from Pitcairn PA
April 23, 2013
What is the best site and book for wild stables in Pennsylvania?
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Foxglove safety from England
April 21, 2013
Hi, regarding safety of foxgloves grown near edible plants - foxgloves are good companion plants for vegetables, in case of root vegetables they improve their storage life and quality. Foxgloves prote...
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Agarita suggestion for Houston area
March 05, 2013
Another possible plant for the following question is agarita. The question: "Looking for a very, very, thorny three or four foot tall shrub for in front of windows to deter break-ins. Considering Ro...
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Comment from user on Smarty Plants answer
February 12, 2013
Dear Mr.S I received a very thorough answer to my question about trimming native butterfly plants and wanted to thank you. I see that Ann Van Nest answered the question. I intended to give the reply...
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Chile Pequin growing well in Charleston SC
January 28, 2013
Not really a question. I have successfully grown from seed Chile Pequins I picked up in Texas here in Charleston Sc. They are so hardy they come back from their stalks each year and sprout from seeds ...
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Non-native avocado trees in Rio Grande Valley from Austin
January 05, 2013
I just read the article in the Austin American Statesman about growing avocados outdoors. Don't know if they grow here, but they certainly don't just grow in south Florida. I used to live in Wesla...
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Mexican species Orbexilum melanocarpum.
January 04, 2013
This is not a question; just a note to supplement a previous MSP post answering a query about a source for Orbexilum. The "mountain pea" that the original questioner was asking about is the e...
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Authenticity of a vendor from Pensacola FL
December 26, 2012
Can you verify the authenticity of Alex Jones as someone who can help us?
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Note on pond over oak roots from Round Rock TX
December 23, 2012
Thanks very much to Barbara for answering my question about the live oaks - covering parts of their root systems with a pond. Your answer inspired discussion, and we changed our pond plan and moved th...
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Comments on white-flowered Mountain Laurel from Austin
December 23, 2012
Following up on the August 23, 2012, question from Driftwood about the white-flowering mountain laurel, I have found a few more leads to explore. First, there are four more images of white-flowering m...
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Advocacy of non-native plants.
December 10, 2012
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Instead of asking a question, I would like to comment on the seemingly discouraging tone on growing plants or trees out of their native habitat that I have observed from rea...
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Words of Appreciation
December 05, 2012
This is a word of sincere admiration and appreciation for the spectacular array of information you posted on liatris. I'm no botanist but a native plant gardener, fond of the beauty of orderly scient...
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Native violets under maples from Gettysburg PA
July 06, 2012
Just for your info (no need to post or reply), I saw an old post of a question of something to grow under maples. In central PA, native violets grow very well under several species of maples in lawns...
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Would like a "try instead of" list for non-native plants in Austin, TX.
June 19, 2012
It would be so helpful if, when asked about a non-native plant, you would do a "try instead of" list. I have about 45 plants to reseach from my landscaping firm, and it's wearing me out to try to...
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Butterflyweed
June 18, 2012
Can't find a way to say thanks for prompt, helpful answer today from Guy Thompson on starting "Butterflyweed" -- or how to give ans. 5 stars -- so here's thanks &stars! More info than available ...
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Comment on poisonous sweet pea plant from Kalama WA
October 29, 2011
No question, comment only. I am aware of the story of Christopher McCandless (Call of the Wild)and the belief that he was poisoned by ingesting part of the sweet pea plant; however I am curious what ...
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Doggy berries
August 30, 2011
I recently wrote to you regarding my Doggy ingesting some berries from a neighbors out of control fence line-falling onto our property. The answer you gave was 100 % correct! Despite my feeble attempt...
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Gardening advice for Ontario, Canada
April 20, 2011
HI there. I see most of the readers are in CA, I am in Ontario Canada. I am in need of some advice on a nice flowering all year round garden for both sun/partial sun/shade garden. Some for direct sun ...
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List of most popular wildflowers in Texas Hill Country from Austin
January 15, 2011
Can you please tell me the top 10 wildflowers found in the Texas hill country..by numbers, not popularity?
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How can I submit a picture with my question?
November 09, 2010
How can I submit a picture with my question?
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Collection dates for Charles Wright in Texas on Flame acanthus page.
September 27, 2010
Mr. SP- there is a date error for Charles Wright's collection time period in Texas, at least on the Flame Acanthus page of wildflower.org. It states, "The species name of this plant is for Charles Wri...
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Fast growing groundcover for New York
September 02, 2010
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I love your site! But I can't quite find this answer: can you recommend a fast-growing groundcover native to southern NY State (Dutchess County) that I can plant NOW (Augus...
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Another plant with ice plant as the common name from Corpus Christi
June 17, 2010
This is not a question, but your "ice plant" answer to El Cajon did not consider Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, which I believe is the common roadside succulent that ate California. God have mercy ...
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Pot on a pillar in a pond in Pflugerville
April 26, 2010
No question: Just a thanks to Barbara. You can't imagine how hard I laughed when I read the interpretation that I was going to plant Maximilians in a pot on a pedestal in the middle of a pond!!! S...
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Sorting for Fabaceae family for Central Texas
July 21, 2009
I can't seem to get the database to sort for: CenTX Fabacae Dry Part shade Perennials All habits Please tell me how
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Question about Salvia coccinea photos in the Native Plant Database
June 29, 2009
A search for Salvia coccinea in the database resulted in some of the pictures showing frostweed crystals ('am assuming that is an error), as well as some white and bicolor pastel pink & white blooms....
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Strawberry tree with yellowing leaves.
June 07, 2009
Just to add to your statistics, I live in Poulsbo, Washington, very near to Tacoma, Washington. My strawberry tree also has yellowing leaves with some black spots. I will take your advice with the iro...
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USDA hardiness Zones
May 10, 2009
I love your site..I don't live in Texas and would like it very much if you would include the zone with plant listings. Thank you for all your hard work!
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Picture of tree in Gilmer, TX cemetery
February 18, 2009
HELP . I am looking to find pictures of the beautiful tree before it was struck by lighting. The tree was in the Gilmer, Tx City View Cemetery ?
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Thank you Mr. Smarty Plants
January 28, 2009
Hi, this is a note of thanks, powerful thanks, for your answer to my question about carolina laurel. Our disappointment was more than made up for by your recommendation to check out OSU's wonderful ...
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Correction to question involving acid vs. alkaline soil
December 31, 2008
In a question about blueberries you said most blueberry web sites are in states with deciduous trees including pines. Not sure about your part of the world but here in NC the pine trees keep the need...
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Why do we exclude Mexican plant species?
November 17, 2008
Thanks for all your great help and your wonderful website. I have been wondering why you exclude Mexico from "North American" native plants? I live in Austin and it seems like the flora and fauna ...
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Plants native to Virginia
September 07, 2008
I would like to know what websites you would recommend for information about plants native to Virginia. Glad to have found Mr. Smarty Plants, it will be tops on my Favorites list. Thanks for your t...
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Use of pictures from our Image Gallery
August 28, 2008
I would like to use the picture of prickly wild rose on a website I am designing for information on native plants. I am designing this site for children and teachers. Who do I contact?
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Wrong photo in Native Plant Database
August 18, 2008
The picture to the left of the information for Rudbeckia laciniata L. shows a plant with a dark center. This is not the Cutleaf Conflower with which I am familiar. What is it? Thank you.
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Why is Mr. Smarty Plants website so useless?
July 16, 2008
Why is your site so useless?
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Plant database correct!
June 27, 2008
Wrong taxonomy for bald cypress tree family in your plant database?
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Why website does not have better variety of flowers
April 27, 2008
Why don't you have a better variety of flowers? I can't find the ones I have.
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Texas bluebonnets for Illinois
March 12, 2008
Thank you Mr. Smarty Plants. I will be closely checking the variety of Texas bluebonnets that I tried to plant. For the record, I did soak them first to loosen the seed shell. I think we probably just...
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National Events Calendar
March 06, 2008
Where is the link to the National Events Calendar? I would like to submit two events for California.
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Maintenance policy for Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
February 04, 2008
Greetings, I am a volunteer at the University of Washington’s Elisabeth C. Miller Horticultural library. I am currently developing a maintenance policy for our database of gardening questions and ...
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Thank you Mr. Smarty Plants
October 30, 2007
No question, just wanted to thank Barbara Medford for her most informative and entertaining reply to my Oct. 2 question on the elimation of nutsedge. THANK YOU!
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Comment on Doug Shermans photography
March 29, 2007
This is actually not a question. I just wanted to comment on Doug Sherman's photographs. I am working on a native garden presentation and his pictures are amazing. I love the way he captures the f...
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True date for Earth Day
March 09, 2006
My grandson asked me to verify the correct date for Earth Day 2006. Sites on the internet say (a) Earth Day USA is April 22, 2006. (b) International Earth Day is M...
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Links to geographical zones
February 06, 2006
A link page to similar sites would be helpful. Rather than 8 "geographical zones" how about by real zones; I live in California at 8000 feet. I know I can use the Rocky Mt. Zone to a degree, but al...
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Obtaining a list of Texas native plants
February 16, 2005
I'm a member of the Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (New Braunfels area) and wanted to get a list of Texas Native Plants for our Chapter to use as our guideline of what is nat...
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Articles on landscaping with native plants in Kansas
August 18, 2004
I work for the Kansas Department of Transportation in Topeka, Kansas and would like to receive information on growing native wildflowers. I have a catalog titled "Wildflower Favorites" that was pub...
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Why use native plants
March 14, 2004
Why use native plants?
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