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.
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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.
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| What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, TX? January 26, 2016 What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, Texas called? They are dark green with spiky leaves and rough bark. I have a row planted as a windscreen and want to transplant a couple from a ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| How Close to Tree Trunks Should Bricks be Placed? January 26, 2016 Do you have guidelines as to how close bricks can be placed to trees, particularly cypress, cedars and live oaks? Contractors habitually plant up to the trunk and I've had trees die from their roots... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Privacy Hedge Plant for CA January 26, 2016 We recently moved into a new home right on the border of Cherry Valley and Beaumont, Ca. We are at an elevation of 2,900 ft. We are looking for a plant that we can use as a privacy hedge along our bac... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Low growing annuals for OK shaded slope. January 26, 2016 I have a heavily shaded slope on the north, west, and south side of my home. Can you suggest some low growing annuals (flowering, or not) that would allow me to beautify my property. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Western Poison Oak Sap Transfer January 26, 2016 My partner is a park ranger and constantly exposed to poison oak. He gets infected sometimes but mostly seems to tolerate it pretty well. I, on the other hand, keep getting reinfected with it, all ove... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrub Recommendation for Chain Link Fence in DE January 26, 2016 What shrub would you recommend for covering a chain link fence and providing a screen between mine & my neighbors yard? They have kids, so it would have to be non-toxic. I'd like flowers/berries for ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs for 2,000 feet Elevation in AZ January 23, 2016 What shrubs can I plant in New River, AZ, 2,000 feet above sea level? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Caterpillars on Milkweed in MA January 23, 2016 I have found every year a black/red caterpillars on my milkweed. They eat everything! I have never been able to find out what they are or how to get rid of them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Pet Friendly Groundcovers for CA January 23, 2016 I am looking for pet friendly, groundcover plants in San Jose, CA. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Are Tannins in Persimmons the same in Fruit and Leaf? January 23, 2016 I was wanting to know if tannins in persimmons have the same properties in both the fruit and leaves. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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