Native Plants

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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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169 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page

topic	question
Poisonous Plants Problem Plants Vines	Poison ivy? vine in NJ July 30, 2012 I have a vine growing among some vegetation in my backyard. It has a leaf with 3 "points" with ridges along its edges. The smaller leaves are reddish which is why I thought poison ivy but definite... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Shrubs Trees	Skin allergies; is Juniper the culprit in Simi Valley, CA? July 21, 2012 My husband and I have had terrible skin allergy problems this spring (for me it's been 3 years) and think it may be the juniper bushes outside our bedroom and kitchen windows. Is there a fast growin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants	Are there prescribed burn professionals in central Texas? July 12, 2012 I am looking for someone to hire for a controlled hillside burn. Can you recommend someone to hire? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Identification Problem Plants	Identification of stinging plant in Central Texas July 02, 2012 I live on 15 acres on Nameless Road. When walking on property, occasionally my leg/ankle brushes against some plant that "stings" me. Like little needles in my skin. Doesn't last long, but becau... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants	Source of Allergies in Austin, TX June 19, 2012 Hi, Mr. Smarty Plants. I live in Northwest Austin and I've been suffering from allergies since moving to Austin. The allergies seem to occur at least once a year for at least a month or two. Beg... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Soils Problem Plants	Zinc tolerant plants for sunny area June 08, 2012 I have a very high zinc soil in an all day sun area. Any suggestions as to what kind of flower can I grow successfully? Zone 8 Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Poisonous Plants Problem Plants Trees	Toxicity of catalpa wood? June 05, 2012 Is the sawdust from cutting up a catalpa tree or the smoke from burning the wood toxic? Thank you, View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants Herbs/Forbs	Eliminating ragweed in Sacramento CA May 16, 2012 Rag weed. How to be rid of it! My wife and lots of others that live in this part of Sacramento suffer greatly. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Propagation Problem Plants Shrubs	Germination of Sophora seeds, and Dodder identification in Kingsland, TX. May 02, 2012 Our Mt. Laurel has just produced seeds. Can those be scarified and planted now or do they have to dry out. Also what is the stringy orange substance that gets on bluebonnets and other wildflowers ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Plant Identification Problem Plants	How Can I Tell an Invasive Thistle from a Native May 01, 2012 Mr Smarty Plants, I have some thistles coming up in my yard. I'd like to keep them if they are native, but not if they are invasive or non-native. How can I tell? My yard is a wild area in West Lak... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Eliminating KR? Bluestem from St. Augustine Yard in Spicewood, TX April 28, 2012 How can I eradicate bluestem grass invading my St. Augustine lawn? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants	Proposal of marriage to Mr. Smarty Plants April 21, 2012 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Will you marry me? Garden bliss hangs in the balance. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Identification Problem Plants	What is the orange vine that is covering the wildflowers from Llano, TX? April 10, 2012 What is the invasive orange vine that is covering the wildflowers on Texas highways? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Propagation Problem Plants Vines	Controlling Passionflora Incarnata propagation March 20, 2012 Would a cinderblock raised bed, 8 inches in height, be sufficient to contain the roots of passiflora incarnata and keep them from traveling to places where I don't want the vine? Are the roots deepe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
General Botany Problem Plants Trees	Black Walnut tree in LA March 12, 2012 I was just given a black walnut tree and am trying to determine where to place it. I�ve read on your site that �Certain plants will not grow under Black Walnut trees because of the juglones that the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pollinators Compost and Mulch Problem Plants Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs Trees Wildflowers	Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens January 31, 2012 What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Pests Problem Plants Trees	Killing oak sprouts from El Paso TX August 16, 2011 I want to know how to kill oak root sprouts and seedlings. Very dense and out-of-control in huge area of front lawn. I had tree cut down and I still cannot get rid of them. They're only getting wors... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Compost and Mulch Problem Plants	removing paper mulberry shoots from lawn August 09, 2011 Dear Mr./Ms. Smartypants, I recently moved into an Austin home with the backyard taken over by paper mulberries. There were originally 2-3 large bush/trees, but now that I've removed them I realiz... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Need something to compete with Virginia wild rye in Bristol, TN. July 29, 2011 I have been working for 4 years to convert a large area of sunny lawn (150' x 40') to a native woodland planting, using native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. Although I used seeds of a variety ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Invasive native wild onions in East Granby CT May 17, 2011 I have wild onions which have become extremely invasive. I have no idea how to get rid of them, and this year they seem to have taken over my entire flower bed. I tried pulling the bulbs out for sever... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Non-native mint invading flower beds in Kendallville IN April 26, 2011 A few years back we were given two sprouts of something referred to as peppermint tea. We planted in our flower bed and now it has taken over. It seems to start slow in the spring but doesn't take lo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	How to get rid of nut grass from San Antonio March 22, 2011 We just had a house built on a lot that was mostly rock. The small back yard has a berm on which they brought in soil then mulched it. Now we are getting all sorts of weeds through the mulch, what my... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Vines	Getting rid of a small itchy vine in Granbury, Texas December 24, 2010 I am clearing an area near some trees that has never been "domesticated". There is a little itchy vine that grows pretty extensively (not very much top growth, but is all over the place). The smal... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Compost and Mulch Planting Problem Plants Vines	Eliminating non-native Asian Jasmine in Austin December 02, 2010 I have a large bed in front of the house full of jasmine that was planted by the builder 25 years ago. What suggestions do you have to eliminate it and prepare the bed to plant native flowers and pl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Vines	Plant identification of vine in Ohio September 21, 2010 I have a vine in my forest that grows up trees, that could eventually pull them over. It has roundleaves and prickers on the stem. What is this vine so I can research it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Trees	Live oak sprouts in Austin August 01, 2010 How can I control the hundreds of live oak sprouts our lovely trees are throwing off? We recently landscaped with rain gardens and the related drainage ditches; they are filled with these very happy ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Getting rid of bermudagrass July 13, 2010 How do I get rid of bermuda grass in my San Augustine grass? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Eradication of invasive thistles in Parma OH July 11, 2010 Lawn is full of prickly weeds with very deep roots. May be called Scotch Thistle, although id is not confirmed. They will grow as tall as they can amid other plants, and when mowed in the lawn, they... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Eliminating dogbane from transplanted milkweed in Franklin Lakes NJ May 10, 2010 We transplanted milkweed from the wild into our garden. Included in the clump of milkweed was dogbane. We weren't aware of how invasive dogbane is. We've has some success in digging it out but we'... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Controlling poison oak or poison ivy in Iowa April 29, 2010 We recently purchased a property that is VERY wooded and has been vacant for two yrs. with little upkeep previously. We have (we were told) l00 yr old poison oak vines hanging from trees. We hired so... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Aggressive native Inland Sea Oats in Whitehouse Station NJ April 29, 2010 Can you direct me to a source of help managing a very aggressive grass, Chasmanthium latifolia, Woodland Oats or Indian Sea Oats. It is behaving like a very noxious plant and I am concerned as I am h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Eliminating non-native invasive bermuda grass in Morgan's Point TX April 25, 2010 We are trying to establish a wildflower meadow, but are having trouble with the neighbor's invasive bermudagrass taking over..what can be done to eliminate the bermuda? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Getting rid of skunk cabbage in Hopedale OH April 22, 2010 How can someone get rid of skunk cabbage? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Wildflowers	Bluebonnets and weeds in Burleson TX March 31, 2010 I have lots of blue bonnets growing in my yard but they are overcome with weeds. What can I use to eliminate the weeds without killing the bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Identification of invasive plant March 26, 2010 I have found an invasive plant species in Martindale, Texas that I would like to identify for family members. It is taking over their pasture and is difficult to eliminate. It has not bloomed yet but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Eliminating non-native invasive Asian jasmine in Temple TX February 06, 2010 Hello, behind my backyard fence there is a large growth (about 300 to 400 sq feet) of Asian jasmine. It was planted by previous owners. It prevents growth of native plants like holly. What is the prac... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Turf	Eliminating bluebonnets from lawn December 05, 2009 I need to know the best way to eliminate bluebonnets which are growing in my yard. My HOA is pursuing legal action against me to prevent me growing the plants. I can't afford to "resod" my yard. Ca... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Containing roots in Kaysville UT October 26, 2009 I'm planting my yard in all native Rocky Mountain and Great Basin plants. Is there a way to halt or contain the root propagation of Smooth Leaf Sumac and Quaking Aspen? I've considered digging dow... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Groundcovers	Aggressive Frogfruit September 17, 2009 I have frogfruit voluntarily growing in my flower beds. I had intended to use it as a ground cover but am concerned that it is taking over. Will it kill (smother) my flowers that I have planted for bu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Medicinal Plants Problem Plants	Treating stings from stinging nettles in Indiana August 08, 2009 How can I remove hairlike thorns (as from nettle-type weed)? My hands react within 24 hours with swelling and pain, esp in morning. In past when I have then been able to locate the offending thorn, th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia? July 21, 2009 How do you get rid of Mexican Petunia? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	How can I eradicate Mexican Petunia from my garden in Vacaville CA? July 02, 2009 Can you tell me the best way to eradicate the plant Ruellia, commonly known as Mexican Petunia, from my garden? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Eliminating crabgrass in a newly mulched area in Austin June 26, 2009 We just had our whole front lawn taken out. We are starting to plant native plants in its place. The idea was to do what�s best for the environment and reduce maintenance. At this point I�m beginni... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Removing non-native juniperus x pfitzeriana in Arvada CO June 25, 2009 We have 200' of large juniper pfitzers (3' tall - 4' wide) that completely enclose our front yard. We want to remove all of them but the estimates to dispose of them have been extremely high. One... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Cacti and Succulents	Getting rid of Adams needle (Yucca filamentosa) June 24, 2009 My friend is changing her flower beds around and is wanting to eliminate an Adam's needle that has been there for several years. She has already dug it up and now is trying to get rid of all the new... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Removal of weeds in buffalograss mix in Houston June 15, 2009 I recently attempted to seed a small lawn area with a buffalo/blue grama grass mix, unfortunately for me the area has been hit hard with weeds. Is there an environmentally friendly method to reduce... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Edible Plants Poisonous Plants Problem Plants	Eliminating skunk cabbage in Troy, NY May 19, 2009 My yard is overgrown with skunk cabbage. My question is how do I get rid of it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Poisonous Plants Problem Plants	Getting rid of poison ivy May 08, 2009 Dear Mr Smarty Plants, Likewise I also have a shady area in my yard with overgrowth of poison ivy. It borders a small duck pond and we have a Golden Retriever. I too would like to plant soon afterward... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Cacti and Succulents	Eliminating agave roots in Tonto Basin AZ April 22, 2009 Greetings Mr. Smarty Plants, from Tonto Basin, AZ! We have numerous mature (huge!) Agave Americana plants here, and have, until recently, enjoyed them. However, we are now ready for a drastic landscap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Elimination of Whitemouth dayflower in Dothan AL March 18, 2009 I am infested with Widow's Tears in my yard. I would like to get rid of them. Can you tell me how? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Elimination of non-native English ivy in Maryland March 11, 2009 I have Old English Ivy sprouting up throughout my side yard. What can I do to get rid of it? Would putting lime down help or Crabgrass control? What would you suggest and the easier the better as I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Replacing non-native St. Augustine with native grasses in Rockport TX February 18, 2009 Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a few questions for you. I live in Rockport and am in the process of revamping my yard to native species. I currently have San Augustine, weed infested grass. I want to scrap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Getting rid of Japanese bindweed in Massachusetts February 04, 2009 How do you get rid of Japanese Bindweed (mile-a-minute)? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Non-Natives Problem Plants	Clearing out non-native Himalayan blackberry January 25, 2009 Can you recommend a way to clear an area of Himalayan blackberry? We have cut the canes back but wish to eliminate them completely so that we can replant that area with native plants attractive to wil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	East Texas grasses for holding soils September 17, 2008 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a question about the East Texas area: Specifically, which natvie grasses can be planted to hold the soil/new roads through the winter? Here is the situation: (Against... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Controlling sedge in vegetable garden in Mississippi August 03, 2008 I have a veg. garden surrounded by Purple Sedge. The nut grass has been contained/eliminated by replacing all dirt 1' down. Now the surrounding sedge is beginning to creep inward infesting the gard... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	How to get rid of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) July 28, 2008 We have an enormous stand of japanese polygonum that we are trying to get rid of. What soil type is the most inhospitable to this aggressive and highly invasive species? Were thinking of planting so... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Problem with weeds in the buffalograss June 11, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm about to throw in the towel! My back 'lawn' of buffalo grass (609) is almost all 'weeds'! Native ruellia and lyre leaf sage have taken over and as the area has gott... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Trees	Shoots sprouting around base of liveoak tree April 18, 2008 I have a Live Oak that was planted in my yard about 15 years ago. In the last several years, small shoots have been sprouting up around the tree base, are getting more dense and spreading into the gr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Vines	Protection from native invasive trumpet vines April 17, 2008 Mr. SP: I have invaders! Trumpet vines from a neighbor's yard, two doors away have taken over and are eating my garage and trying to steal all the sun from my clematis vines. How do I get rid of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants	Prevention of algae scum on standing water December 16, 2007 Because your answer to a previous question has resolved an "issue" referent to proper care of our cordgrass plants, I'm back to ask your advice. The pond behind our condominium complex is man-ma... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Elimination of nutgrass from native flower bed October 14, 2007 Nutgrass!#! My new bed in NE Austin wraps around a hot sunny SW street corner. Grass wouldn't grow there [I wouldn't water it.] I removed the turf [mostly stickers] to a depth of about 4", carefu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Wildflowers	Eliminating weeds from seeded wildflower stands June 25, 2007 We live in Eastern Central Texas in a small community on Texas Highway 7. Last fall, we went to the Wildseed Flower Farm near Fredricksburg and purchased a bag of mixed wildflower seeds and planted... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Management practices to eradicate Johnson grass September 02, 2006 Please suggest some eradication methods for Johnson grass. It is established in a field that I want to encourage native wildflowers/plants such as goldenrod, prairie coneflower, blue eyed grass, milkw... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Disposal of bulbs to control Arrowhead aquatic plant August 29, 2006 How can I kill Arrowhead permanently? I have sprayed repeated years with Roundup, Crossbow, etc., but the arrowhead comes back from the bulb the next year! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Turf	Elimination of non-native, invasive King Ranch bluestem in lawn June 06, 2006 How can I eliminate an annual infestation of king ranch bluestem in my bermuda lawn? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Methods of controlling poison ivy April 19, 2005 What do you suggest for controlling poison oak (ivy)? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Problem Plants	Removal of invasive mints March 30, 2005 How do I remove common mint from my garden? I removed the previous years plants and tilled the soil. This year they came back more than before. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Problem Plants Wildflowers	More on bluebonnets March 10, 2003 Clover has taken over and just about covered the Bluebonnets. Is there any way of removing the clover such as with fertilizer or something else? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
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169 Results: 10 25 50 100 per page