Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
252 Results:   10  25  50 100 per page


topicquestion
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

Dictionary of botanical names
September 02, 2011
I am looking for an online resource that will tell me what the botanical names mean, for example, Cornus florida. Why is it named that? Surely somewhere there is information that explains the meanin...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Native North American bulbs
August 19, 2011
I saw your list of 4 lilies native to the Northeastern United States, which was very helpful. What other bulbs are native to North America? Although I garden in Connecticut, I am interested in learn...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

A garlic plant with only one clove in Ft. Worth, TX?
August 08, 2011
Is there a garlic that does not have cloves? I have been using what appears to be garlic from my garden and it is garlicy, hot and delicious. I have spent many hours online but cannot find this garlic...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Difference between Erigeron strigosus and E. annuus
July 07, 2011
How can you tell the difference between Erigeron strigosus or Erigeron annuus. Does one have more flowers on it than the other? Thanks.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Is Phlox divaricata evergreen?
June 27, 2011
Is Phlox divaricata evergreen?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

East Texas Natives and Botanical History
May 05, 2011
I am looking for flowers &/or flowering shrubs that are native to east Texas, especially that would have been in this area over 100 or more years ago.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What happens when plant shoot apex is removed from Nashville TN
April 23, 2011
What happens to the plant when a shoot apex is removed?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Starting a sweet potato in water in Duluth MN
April 11, 2011
I am trying to start a sweet potato plant in water. I noticed 3 days after it's in water, there is white finger like(hairy) areas at the tip of the bottom of the potato and also on the sides. I have...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Do Banana Plants Grow in Galveston, Texas?
March 30, 2011
Do banana plants grow on Galveston island?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

How is native range changed in the scientific record?
March 28, 2011
I am accessioning Pachysandra procumbens for the Baker Arboretum. These plants were made from cuttings of a native stand here in Warren County (Western KY). How does the record get amended to...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Half-life of the insecticide imidacloprid
March 07, 2011
How long do systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid (Merit) remain active in nursery grown plants? Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed)is frequently grown with imidacloprid to prevent...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Will recent freezes delay wildflowers from Dripping Springs TX
February 15, 2011
What effect will the recent freezing temperatures have on the Texas Hill Country Wildflowers? Will it delay blooming? Thank you!
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Use of native non-vascular plants from Pisgah Forest NC
February 11, 2011
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Some of the smartest native plants around to use as horticultural choices don't require any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; tolerate extreme weather including ...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Genetics of Anemone berlandieri flower colors
December 01, 2010
Anemone heterophylla or Anemone berlandieri, Genetics. Is the variation in the flower color due to Genetic Incomplete dominance or Codominance? The same codominance seen in carnations.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Differences in Plant Growth
November 28, 2010
How do plants grow differently?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Can I grow wild rice in green house conditions?
November 17, 2010
Can I grow Zizania aquatica (wild rice) in green house conditions?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Do yuccas die after blooming?
October 11, 2010
We have a blue yucca which was planted 2 years ago and is just now blooming with a tower of white flowers. Will the entire plant die after blooming as the century plants do? If so, is there a way to s...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Cold hardiness zones for plants from Jackson MS
October 02, 2010
How to search the plant database by cold-hardiness zone? Is it possible to do combination search by zone (not just state?) With the information provided with plant, I do not see the zone listed. Ma...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Compare Natives to Lawn for Carbon Footprint Benefits in Durham, New Hampshire
September 22, 2010
Are there carbon sequestration rate tables for turf (lawn) and bushes, shrubs, trees? I want to compare the carbon footprint benefit of lawn versus the same area put into native plantings.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Oils/paraffins in sea oats
September 04, 2010
Do Sea Oats produce oils/paraffins?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

History of hybrid Hibiscus Davis Creek from Cary NC
August 22, 2010
Re: Hibiscus Davis Creek. Can you tell me this hybrid's history? H. coccineus H. militaris perhaps?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What does spp. stand for in Paspalum spp? From Arlington, TX.
August 11, 2010
What does the spp stand for when talking about Paspalum spp?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Clarification for botanical (Latin) names for Herbertia
June 17, 2010
I am looking for a clarification of scientific names. In the classic wildflower book 'Wildflowers of Texas' the author, Geyata Ajilvsgi, attributes the plant Herbertia with the name Alophia drummon...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Wild Native Hybrids and Cultivars?
June 14, 2010
It is my understanding that hybrids can occur with or without human intervention whereas cultivars always involve human intervention. Strictly speaking does this mean native wildflowers can never be ...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Burn the wetlands
June 02, 2010
Can the wetlands of Louisiana that have been soaked in oil be burned? I am a native plant gardener in the midwest. Burning is a natural process in the prairie. Southerners are not used to this and ma...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Albinism in plants.
May 16, 2010
Greetings, I was wondering what you know of albinism in plants? I know I've found a few articles about it online. I discovered my only albino plant last summer. It was an albino dogbane plant grow...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Trillium phototropism
May 16, 2010
I'm SURE you haven't had this question before. I live in northern Michigan in a wooded subdivision where we have clouds of wild grandiflorum trilliums growing in the woods on either side of the roa...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

How do Venus flytraps really work?
May 13, 2010
How do venus flytraps *really* work? I've read it has something to do with the hairs in their "mouth," but is there a chemical reaction going on? A physical "trigger"? Help me understand the Venu...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Project on natives in Connecticut from Chino CA
April 13, 2010
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, My 10 yr. old daughter is doing a project on Ct., and would like to know what the most common plants, trees and flowers are found in this state. A few of each would be a great ...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Why is my 3 year old Redbud not flowering in San Marcos, TX?
March 24, 2010
My Cercis canadensis var. mexicana, purchased at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, is 3 years old, very robust, but has never bloomed. Any explanation?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Flower color in shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia)
February 25, 2010
Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon meadia) come in the colors white, lavender and purple in the eastern U.S. Is this just genetic variability or does soil chemistry affect the flower color?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

How to determine the gender of wax myrtles from the WFC?
February 08, 2010
Mr.Smarty Plants, have the wax myrtles that are up for sale at the Center's Spring Plant sale been sexed? I need a male plant. How can the sex be determined when the plant is young? Or can it?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Consequences of overwatering plants
February 05, 2010
Explain how an error on the high side when watering would affect soil fertility management, IPM efforts?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Identification of strange tiny creature in plant water
January 14, 2010
I have a house plant rooted in water. I has been for over a year and the plant seems healthy, I change the water often and keep it clean. I now have noticed that something is growing it. A fish type o...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Does music affect sunflower growth from Pentwater MI
January 12, 2010
Does music affect sunflower growth?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Plant for science experiment from Kentfield CA
November 10, 2009
What is a fast growing plant I should use for a science experiment?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

USDA Hardiness Zone of Rancho Bernardo, CA
October 01, 2009
What plant zone is Poway, Rancho Bernardo CA?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Disappearing sunlight in Phoenix, AZ
September 29, 2009
I live in a condo in Phoenix, AZ with a north facing patio that goes out about 10 feet and is 20 feet wide. During the summer months there is a span of 1 foot in the front that goes the 20 foot length...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Are freshwater sponges poisonous if eaten by a dog?
September 25, 2009
Are freshwater sponges, native to Missouri, poisonous if eaten by a dog?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Plant Groups
September 22, 2009
What are ways to group plants?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Geographic determination of flower colors
August 30, 2009
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I'd like to find out if there are any correlation between geographic location and the statistic of flower(native) colors. Here in the Rockies, there seems to be a lot more ye...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Classes for a nature lover in Frisco TX
August 16, 2009
I have a question which I don't think is available in this website. I love plants & flowers,trees etc- just like you, I've only studied till my higher secondary school; now would love to study as we...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Question about booklet, Native and Adapted Landscape Plants
June 24, 2009
In the booklet"Native and Adapted Landscape Plants for Central Texas", the light requirements for some plants are written in a way that I do not understand. Is Sun/Part Shade different from Part Sha...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What caused purple heartwood in my Tuliptree?
June 15, 2009
My Tulip tree was hit by lightning and all bark from the base of the tree up to 50 feet was blown off. The tree also sustained a significant crack through the trunk. When the tree was cut down, we...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Rotten Oranges
June 03, 2009
Do oranges rot if they are not taken off the tree when ripe?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Do plants grow better under artificial or natural light?
May 25, 2009
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, So do plants grow better under artificial lights, or sunlight???? and if so what happens when they are growing? Which seedling sprouts first??? What happens as they grow? I a...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Plants for soils with extreme pH values
May 24, 2009
I am doing a project on acid and alkaline on the ph scale but all I can find is a range of 5.0 to 8.0. Do they have plants in the range of 8.0 to 14.0 or 1.0 to 5.0? If not, why is that? If so, what a...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Does music affect growth of necklace pod plants?
May 15, 2009
Does music affect the growth of the necklace pod plants? this is for a science project! Please help!
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Why will my Butternut trees not produce nuts in Tennessee?
May 06, 2009
I have 2 butternut trees planted about 20 ft from each other. I see the long blossoms on each tree but I have not gotten any nuts from either tree. I do not know if I have a male and female or if th...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Which plants grow well together
April 17, 2009
Please tell me what plants grow best together and which plants do not grow very good together
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Appearance of plants
April 14, 2009
What is plants appearance?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Ways to group plants
April 14, 2009
Are deciduous plants and leaves and roots ways to group plants? I need the answer now; tell me the answer if some are wrong?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Why do some flowers open during the day and close at night?
April 08, 2009
My son is doing a science fair project on the California Poppies. We are trying to find the definitive answer on why the flowers open during the day and close at night.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Will molasses harm beneficial organisms in my garden?
April 06, 2009
If I use molasses in the garden, I am hoping this will NOT kill the beneficial nematodes and my earth worms, or other good bugs such as lady bugs? Thanks.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Grafting stone fruit
April 02, 2009
Do you know of anyone grafting the new low chill stone fruit trees to the Mexican plum to minimize cotton rot? Or would it even work?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Can plants in the same genus cross-pollinate?
March 27, 2009
Can you cross-pollinate plants from the same genus?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Do plants grow faster in natural or artificial light?
March 13, 2009
Do you think plants will grow faster in natural light or artificial light or a combination of both? And why do you think that. and need your answer for my biology project please and thank you for your...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Is Devilsclub related to Gunnera?
March 09, 2009
Is Devil's Club related to Gunnera?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Is Esperanza a deciduous or an evergreen plant?
March 08, 2009
I've read that Esperanza/Tecoma Stans is an evergreen. I planted one last year that seemed very healthy, but it dropped its leaves in late fall and looks (at least) dormant now. Will it come back o...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Determining male/female wax myrtles
March 06, 2009
We are planning to use Wax Myrtle as a screen plant, and want to be sure that we are successful in having berries for the birds. We have read that berries are only on the female plants. When we aske...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Clover in grass in Marysville WA
March 05, 2009
I noticed clover growing in my grass and know that this is a sign of poor nitrogen in my soil. I would like to know of some native plants / shrubs that I could put near my house in Washington that ...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Plants addicted to caffeine
February 28, 2009
Im doing a science project on if plants can get addicted to caffeine, but coffee in general and i was wondering what materials you need to figure that out.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What do cedars do to cause cedar fever?
February 20, 2009
What do the native cedars in Fate Tx do in the winter that causes allergies to get really bad that they have named it cedar fever
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What is more important for plant growth; sunlight, water, soil or what?
February 20, 2009
What is more important for plant growth generally. Sunlight, water, good soil what ? please write back I need an answer I am 13 doing a science project.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Plants named for Thomas Drummond
February 09, 2009
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Please send list of plants discovered and named for Thomas Drummond.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Will lead accumulate in the flower nectar of plants used for phytoremediation
January 16, 2009
I'm attempting to phytoremediate lead in my garden with mustard and/or sunflowers. I also keep bees. I understand that lead is sequestered in roots and stalks. Would the nectar also be contaminate...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Seed for Kosteletzkya virginica, salt marsh mallow
January 13, 2009
I have a nursery in North Carolina. We are looking for a reliable seed source for kosteletzkya virginica salt marsh mallow. We are www.campbellfamilynursery.com
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Strange form of Dasylirion sp. (sotol)
December 27, 2008
Mr. Smarty: I have a client with a huge (2 ft. diameter trunk), multi-headed dasylirion. On one or more of the heads, the leaves arch inward instead of outward. Someone said this is because of an inju...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Is there a flower that blooms only once in seven years?
December 17, 2008
Just wanted to know if there exists a flower that blooms only once in seven years? Thank you!
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Texas native plants that absorb air-borne pollutants
December 15, 2008
hello mr. and mrs. smarty, I'm looking for native Texas plants that absorb pollutants and trap air-borne particulates. I found a list (below), but don't think they're native. Could you give me ad...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

What to do about grass dying under pin oaks in Iowa
December 10, 2008
We have 2 pin oaks about 15 years old in our front yard. The grass has started dying out under and around them. What can we do?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Every plant in Texas
December 01, 2008
Do you know every plant in Texas? Alexis
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Will a Venus flytrap bite?
December 01, 2008
Will a venus flytrap bite a person? Taylor
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Can users sort plant lists in the Plant Database?
November 17, 2008
Although your database searches are very useful, I would like to take it further, for example by sorting the "Central Texas Recommended" list on various columns, as you might do in a spreadsheet. D...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone of Worcester, Massachusetts
November 11, 2008
What zone is Worcester, Massachusetts?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

How many plant species are in Maryland
October 31, 2008
About how many plant species are there in Maryland?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Guide for plants for landscaping in Central Texas
October 22, 2008
I am new to Texas and want nothing but native plants. What is the best book or guide so i can see the plants, flowers, shrubs and trees and know best what part of the yard to plant them in? I live i...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

North American plant that inhibits mold and mildew growth
October 06, 2008
Hi! There, I just wanted to know is there a north American plant that inhibits or eradicates mold and mildew growth, in the home. Also do they make a CFL (the new energy efficient spiral) type light b...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Night-flowering plant that blooms every five years
September 20, 2008
What plant flowers every five years at night?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Simple flowers vs. compound flowers
August 23, 2008
Please, give the characteristics of a "simple flower" as distinct from a compound flower which has rays and "disk flowers". What type of flower is the flower of a chive,which seems to be composed...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Least common flower color
June 14, 2008
What is the least common flower color in the world?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Gardening books for Austin and Central Texas
June 09, 2008
Hi, I'm looking for a book for my wife. She is a beginning gardener here in Austin. Do you know of an ideal book or two that covers vegetable gardening and gardening in general in Austin/Central Tex...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Yellowing of palm tree leaves
May 14, 2008
I want to know about palm trees. The leaves are turning yellow.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Pure white primroses (Oenothera speciosa)
May 13, 2008
Hello MS. Smarty Plants! I have wildflowers instead of grass in my backyard (mow once a year and it's spectacularly beautiful) and I noticed some pure white primroses (the rest are all pink or wi...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Native plants as accumulators of heavy metals in Texas
March 29, 2008
I would like to know of any native plants that could be used as hyperaccumulaters of heavy metals in Texas.
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Native subarctic plants
March 26, 2008
I'm doing a project on subarctic things and I have to have subarctic plants in it. I need to know a few and about them. Can you help?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Endemic plants for the Edwards Plateau
March 23, 2008
Thanks so much for the info. it will be very helpful with the boys and we really stress "Leave No Trace Behind". The pictures will be enough. Thanks again!!
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Increase in plant cell size when nuclei take on water
March 07, 2008
Do plant cells increase in size when vacuoles or nuclei take on water?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Official definition of native plants
March 06, 2008
Does the Wildflower center have an official definition of "native" plants?
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

Blooms as far as the eye can see
March 06, 2008
Why are some wildflowers capable of putting on spectacular sweeps of blooms "for as far as the eye can see" such as Indian paintbrush at Vail Pass in Colorado, or bluebonnets in the Texas hill count...
View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer

topicquestion

252 Results:   10  25  50 100 per page