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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Comments on article in Austin paper January 22, 2012 Why can't we comment on your piece in the Statesman? It says no comments possible at the bottom. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Changing the pH of the soil January 16, 2012 Hi, We have a job that has mostly Texas native plants on it. The architect is wanting to drop the pH levels of the soils to acidic levels that we don't feel is good for the plants and the area. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Help with Science Fair project from Danbury CT January 12, 2012 Hello Mr Smarty, I was going to do my science project on weevils and their impact on milfoil. The weevils are in hibernation until spring and my project is due in mid-Feb. Any suggestions on a simil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Allelopathy in Sassafras albidum January 11, 2012 Sassafras albidum description says "Sassafras is allelopathic and can discourage the growth of certain other plants within its root zone." My question is: WHICH plants are susce... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Science Fair Question December 12, 2011 Dear Mr Smarty Plants, I'm working on a project for the science fair and I need to find a plant that can survive in all climates in order for my experiment to work. What plant should I use? I hope ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Consumption of carbon dioxide from South Korea December 07, 2011 I am curious about what flowers consume CO2 for growing (especially 1-year life flower). Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Difference between Styrax platanifolius and Styrax patanifolius ssp. texanus November 18, 2011 What is the difference between a Styrax platanifolius and a Styrax platanifolius texanus? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Spraying paint on White Pine tree trunks October 31, 2011 Is there a paint that is safe to spray on a tree trunk without damaging/killing the tree? We have White Pines that have ~16" spacing without limbs & would like to 'camouflage' the bare space. If pa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis from Pavonia braziliensis in New Braunfels, TX? September 12, 2011 How can I distinguish Hibiscus laevis (Halberdleaf Hibiscus) from Pavonia braziliensis (Brazillian Rock Rose)? Earlier this year I was given the former by a friend and former NPSOT chap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Have invasive plants no useful purpose from Anchorage AK September 03, 2011 Does the definition of invasive plants include that the plant has no useful purpose? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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