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 | |
| Butterfly Bush Alternatives in New Egypt NJ June 14, 2015 I have a Non Native Butterfly Bush near my house. I heard that it could be invasive. What alternative plants could replace this bush as it is a butterfly magnet in late summer. Swallowtales and monarc... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is Tropical Milkweed Harmful to Monarchs? April 24, 2015 I believe I recently read that the orange flowering Mexican milkweed carries a virus(?) or something that harms monarch butterflies. What are recommendations if I use this plant in my northern CA yar... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| sources of milkweed in Bastrop, Texas April 22, 2015 Where can I buy milkweed in Bastrop County? Can I plant in containers in garden soil? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Butterfly and Hummingbird Attracting Plants for CT April 15, 2015 Could you please give me a list of flowers that would attract butterflies and hummingbirds? I live in Darien, Connecticut and would love to make a butterfly garden. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Milkweed species for Central Texas February 11, 2015 What milkweed should I plant in the flood plain behind my house on Brushy Creek. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Milkweed recommendations for Austin, TX October 20, 2014 I live on thin limestone soil in Austin's NW Hills. I'd like to plant some milkweed to help the monarch butterflies in their migration. Which species should I plant, and are those available in our... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant that attracts butterflies, perhaps? October 06, 2014 What is that one plant/flower in your Center that attracts wildflowers like crazy? It's got a cute name, not a Latin or Scientific name. I have the plant, but don't know how to make it spread. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Best milkweed to plant in Fayette County, TX September 23, 2014 What is the best milkweed to plant in central Texas [Fayette County] in black clay soil? this soil does not drain well. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Butterfly Plants for Chicago September 13, 2014 I live near Chicago, IL and am interested in planting a butterfly garden. Not sure when to start, but I want all native plants that would attract butterflies. Can you please let me know which plants ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for hummingbirds and butterflies in Galveston County TX September 09, 2014 I am looking for native plants for a butterfly and hummingbird garden. I plan on putting the hummingbird garden in part shade and would like some Fall blooming plants to attract them during migration.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| topic | question | |