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.
Search Smarty Plants
topic | question | |
Revegetation of school site with meadow plants from Austin December 23, 2013 We are revegetating a hill country school site (typical calciferous soil stripped of vegetation & minimal topsoil) with a native seed mix equal to Native American Seed "Meadow Mix". We have an abund... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are leaf margins of Chilopsis linearis toothed from Austin December 22, 2013 Are the leaf margins of Chilopsis linearis, Desert Willow, smooth or toothed? The NPIN descrip says willow-like. Most willows have toothed leaf margins. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need a native pine tree for Austin, TX. December 21, 2013 Is there a native pine tree that you would recommend for the Austin, Texas area? We're considering the Colorado pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) or the Papershell pinyon (Pinus remota)? Would either of the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of lily in Florida Savannas Preserve State Park December 19, 2013 I found a lily blooming in the Savannas Preserve State Park in Martin County Florida. It is similar to a Michaux lily but doesn't have apparent spots. The foliage is also different from photos I ha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Vines for Coleman County, TX December 19, 2013 Do you have a list of native vines for Coleman County, TX. Thank You for your help View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identity of mystery plant in non-native commercial forage mix December 17, 2013 Dear Smart One, I use a commercially prepared, fortified, chopped forage based on a mix of orchard and Timothy grasses. The bags are shipped in from out of State. However, I have been finding short s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Source for records of Pleistocene flora of Central Texas December 16, 2013 Part of your answer to a question from October 12, 2010 is "..moreover, the evidence goes even further back than the 1800s. Studies of Pleistocene deposits from Central Texas showed ancestral cedar p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for Daisy Girl Scout native plants project December 13, 2013 Hello, I am a daisy Girl Scout leader and we are working on one of our Journeys and Native Plants Patch Program which requires our group of 5-6 year old girls to plant and care for a mini-garden. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Galls on live oak tree in Austin December 12, 2013 I live in Austin, and have a 13 year old live oak in my yard. It has developed little spheres, kind of like green peas, on the underside of the leaves. What is it? Is it harmful? Is there somethin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Vines for fence, safe for horses in California December 12, 2013 I live in a fire prone part of Orange County, CA named Silverado and own horses. Am interested in fast growing vines to cover a fenced area which are horse safe. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Live oaks lifting up sidewalks in Palm Coast FL December 12, 2013 My live oak trees roots are lifting up my side walks. Can I cut just the roots that are causing the problem without hurting the trees? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When should salvia greggii be pruned from Austin December 12, 2013 Should salvia greggii be pruned in fall/winter? I thought I read onsite that all woody perennials should be left untouched or pruned to 6 inches. Does this apply to salvia greggii? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Earliest spring wildflowers from O'Fallon Mo. December 10, 2013 Which spring wildflower blooms first around the St. Louis area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pruning buttonbush from Pottsville PA December 10, 2013 In a formally planted park, a small area has become swampy. I have choosen to plant it with wet tolerant native plants. I would appreciate any suggestions on pruning the buttonbush [Cephalanthus occ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When to plant wildflowers in California December 10, 2013 When is the best time to plant wildflowers in California? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shrubs not toxic to cattle in NJ December 09, 2013 I am working to rejuvenate the hedgerows on a farm in New Jersey by removing invasive plants and planting native shrubs. How do I find out which native shrubs are toxic to cattle and should not be pl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pruning lower branches of Cordia Boissieri from San Antonio December 08, 2013 My Texas Wild Olive Tree is about 6 feet high now. I bought it at the 2012 plant sale. This past summer it put on new branches near the base of the tree which I would like to cut off (to encourage u... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Understory Shrubs for Pennsylvania Clay December 04, 2013 I want to replace three non-native Euonymus alatus with native shrubs that will serve as host plants for butterfly/moth species and/or attract bumblebees and other native bees. The shrubs I have are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Growing Dwarf Yaupon Holly in Texas December 04, 2013 We planted 10 extra dwarf yaupons in our Austin front yard. They were identified as 'Gremici' dwarf yaupon. I googled them to get more information about them in order to determine why five have di... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
The Pros and Cons of Using Stone Mulch for Plants and Wildfire Safety December 04, 2013 I am trying to grow native plants that are wildfire-resistant. I want to avoid the use of flammable mulch -- especially in beds next to the house. I'm considering river rock or crushed stone, but one... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identity of invasive vine in The Woodlands, Texas December 02, 2013 What is the invasive vine covering trees in The Woodlands, Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Wildlife and bird friendly hedgerow for Chicago suburb November 30, 2013 Want to plant a wildlife/bird friendly hedgerow in suburban Chicago. Looking for a recommended mix of understory trees as well a shrubs and grasses. Site is part shade with average to wet soil and tr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Do bees visit cedar trees and other conifers for pollen? November 30, 2013 I was wondering if honey bees or native bees visit cedar trees for pollen? and what about other conifers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) November 30, 2013 Does the venus flytrap grow better in nitrogen rich soil or in nitrogen poor soil with a diet of insects? Thank you so much for your time! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fruit trees for Kempner, Texas November 29, 2013 I just moved to Kempner , TX and would like to plant a couple of fruit trees in my 1 1/4 ac yard. I would like to plant a species that will do well and produce edible fruit. Any assistance will be app... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Colorful flowering plants in shade of live oak in Louisiana November 29, 2013 What colorful flowering plants can be grown near the shady base of live oak trees in the Deep South? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pruning Roughleaf dogwood November 28, 2013 We put 5 rough-leaf dogwoods along our side deck; having been told (by the local, natural plant seller) that they would reach a maximum height of 6 feet. They have grown taller than that (despite som... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants of Texas Coastal Bend beaches November 27, 2013 What plants are native to the Texas Coastal Bend beaches? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants suitable for clay soils in College Station, Texas November 26, 2013 Where might I find a list of native plants suitable for clay soils in the College Station TX area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Advisability of growing Silybum marianum (Milk thistle) November 26, 2013 I just received a load of clay-mix-dirt - and after our recent rains noticed the pile sprouting what looks like "Milk Thistle." Lots of them. The leaves are spiny and variegated - quite pretty. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is a wasp colony in hollow in my oak tree harming it? November 26, 2013 I have wasps colonizing a hollow portion of a live oak here in my backyard in Austin ten feet from my backdoor. They are yellow and black banded, maybe an inch long. Two questions: 1. Are they hurt... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowering vine for summer sun in Southern California November 26, 2013 Hi and thanks for this great site. 1)Southern CA -- South facing wall(lattice on top)total height 7ft with mature Boston Ivy-- Viburnum tinus and Euonymus at base. THE PROBLEM: East 25% (25ft) has b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Container plant for poolside in Southern California November 24, 2013 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants- PROBLEM: Southern CA,-- FOUR 10gal containers poolside, FULL SUN all day in summer. Had Phormiums that did well for 4 years. Didn't make it through this summer:-( Need something... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Frost protection for non-native citrus trees from Austin November 24, 2013 With ice predicted, should I pick citrus, lemons, limes, satsumas that are not quite ready? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grasses for shady areas November 24, 2013 I would like to know which grasses would grow in mostly shady part of the house. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Groundcovers for Spartanburg, SC November 23, 2013 I need suggestions for native groundcovers for Spartanburg, SC. The area to be covered is a fairly steep slope, with a lot of afternoon sun. In the morning, some areas remain shaded until noon whil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will watering before a freeze protect an esperanza from a freeze from San Angelo, TX November 22, 2013 Would it help to lightly water esperanza before I cover it prior to freeze and/or sleet? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is post oak resistant to oak wilt from Dallas TX November 22, 2013 I am confused. The NPIN website says that Post Oak IS susceptible to oak wilt, but all the other information I have been able to find says that it is resistant to oak wilt and rarely gets the diesase.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Sumac Leaves Turning Red November 22, 2013 Hi, Mr. Smarty Plants, I recently planted a flowering sumac bush. Is it normal for that plant to get fall leaf-color? About a week after planting it, the temp reached the mid-30s, and after that, I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Incorrectly planted anacua from San Antonio November 22, 2013 I purchased a 12' anacua tree from a local nursery about 18 months ago. It was not planted correctly (root bound, rolled into a hole about 3" larger than the pot) but is still alive with the number... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Abundance of acorns from Wimberley TX November 22, 2013 We have lived in Wimberley since 1999 and this is the first time we have had such a huge abundance of acorns on our Oak trees, which is surprising considering the drought we have been in the last few ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of small dome-shaped furry plant, smells like bubblegum November 21, 2013 Hi, I always see this plant when I'm on the river trail in Redding CA. and I can't find it anywhere on the internet. The plant is very small, I think it is some type of weeds that grow. It's a ligh... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Yellowing leaves of Texas Sage (Cenizo) from Las Vegas NV November 21, 2013 Leaves of Texas Sage are turning yellow. Can you tell me why? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Allowing Habiturf to seed out in Austin TX or Austin OR November 21, 2013 What does it mean to let habiturf "go to seed?" Do I need to wait for all the seeds to drop before that is true? Or, if I mow it when there are seed heads, will those seeds provide new plants in the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Wildflower seeds that do well in black clay soil from Plano TX November 21, 2013 What native wildflower seeds do best in black clay soil? We live in Plano along creek w/ 8,000 sq. ft. in full sun. No manmade water source. Suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will Habiturf be chicken feed from New Caney TX November 21, 2013 How well does your recommended native turf grass mix hold up against chickens or do double duty as feed? I have a mixed use property that will house Rabbits, Poultry (chickens/duck/geese), and ev... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant identification in Mojave Desert November 20, 2013 I need help in identifying a shrub like plant that I found in SW Utah near Beaver Dam, UT (Which is near the Arizona/Nevada border). It is approximately 12 inches in height with profuse stems origina... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Which one is huajillo and which one is guajillo? November 19, 2013 Recently I attended a field trip to the Leonard Garden at the Kleberg Institute in Kingsville. I took a picture of a tree that was referred to as Tenaza or huajillo. Later I took another photo of a ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need a shade tree to plant in Houston, TX November 18, 2013 Hi, i'm looking for a shade tree to plant on the southwest side of our house, both to make our backyard more enjoyable and to improve energy efficiency. We really like Live Oaks, but they just take t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Both large and small Century plants putting up stems from Cayucos CA November 18, 2013 I have a Century Plant that is sending up a stem. I am excited to see it bloom. I noticed that one of the small pups, about 4 inches tall, is also sending up a stem. I have not found a mention of pups... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Variety of colors in bluebonnet seeds from Houston November 18, 2013 Bluebonnet seeds I have collected are a variety of colors, from the sandy/tan color to a grayish color and black color. Are all variations viable? Are they equally viable? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Managing a wet area in Austin November 18, 2013 I suspect that my backyard lies at the very top of a creek watershed. However, all of the water flowing through it gets blocked by a solid stone wall. Whenever we get a significant rain event, part ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tree removal from Austin November 18, 2013 Unfortunately we need to cut down a Spanish oak (11" diameter, over 50 feet tall) that is leaning against our upper story deck (if it falls, the roof, deck, and steel supports may be crushed). A lim... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Young pecan trees with leaf and branch problems from Gatesville TX November 18, 2013 I have a young pecan tree that had very rapidly browning Leaves. They became brittle and so did the branches with affected leaves. The branches soon fell off. We treated with fungicide during that pro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant for total shade in Austin Texas November 18, 2013 Most of north wall of my house is in total shade. Is there a native that will grow there? The nonnative Cast Iron Plant is thriving and the soil is good. Your list of plants requiring 2 hours or less ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for science fair project using greywater November 17, 2013 What kind of plants should we use for our science fair project.We are doing our project on how greywater affects plant growth. We saw your answer on how it affects it but we don't know what type of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen tree for Phoenix November 17, 2013 I need your help. I'm looking for a pretty evergreen tree for my small front yard in Phoenix. One that is not horribly messy and doesn't get wider that 10 - 15 ft. I want to be able to decorate at... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant identification November 15, 2013 I need help identifying a flower/plant. It has a long stem with a Flower at the top and small 2" green things that look like small bananas at the bottom.( But not Bananas) I open one up and it had s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shade tree for Southern California November 14, 2013 I had to cut down my huge ficus tree for several reasons, however it provided lots of shade, that we miss. Can you help me find a good shade tree with non-invasive roots that is good for growing and p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identity of small objects that look like tiny pecans November 14, 2013 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am doing my science fair project on acorns. Last year I measured how many acorns and other nature-y stuff fell into a baby pool from a live oak tree in my backyard every ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Can I make my large pecan trees produce larger nuts? November 14, 2013 I have 2 older large pecan trees about 40' tall but the nuts are very small, only about 1 1/2". What can I do to get larger nuts? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Student research on fire-resistance plant labels from Garden Ridge TX November 13, 2013 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I'm a 4th grader at Garden Ridge Elementary in Comal County. I am researching fire resistant plants. Can you please tell me if most plants' tags say whether they are fire r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Cutting Back Perennials in the Fall? November 13, 2013 We have large beds of flowering native perennials that we planted around our house as part of a landscape conservation plan (various Joe-Pyes, goldenrods, turtlehead, blazing star, brown-eyed Susans).... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
plant labels to indicate resistance to wildfire November 12, 2013 I have a group of students researching plants that are more fire resistant. They have learned that keeping home landscaping around a structure will help reduce the risk of a structure catching fire i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant Suggestions for a Partly Sunny Steep Bank in Illinois November 09, 2013 I am looking to plant something on a steep clay bank on our Illinois property. It is on the edge of our dirt road with trees above the bank and is partly sunny. What would work best for that type of a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Something damages leaves on Tecoma stans from Austin November 08, 2013 Help! Something is chomping my Esperanzas. I thought it was deer but they don't seem to be eating other yellow bells in my neighborhood. I think it's an insect. Something is completely stripping the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplanting bluebonnets in late Fall from Georgetown TX November 08, 2013 Transplanting bluebonnets in October? Neighbor wants to share abundance of rosettes and good size plants- any suggestions or warnings? Will freeze/frost protection be needed if we get December freeze... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Wintering non-native liriope spicata indoors in Chillicothe IL November 08, 2013 I live in zone 5, zip 62523, wintering liriope spicata starter plants in basement, ambient consistent. Do I need grow lamps or is the plant satisfied being dormant as long as I do not let it dry out? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Habiturf for shady areas in San Antonio TX November 08, 2013 Will the Habiturf grass mentioned here do well in shady areas too? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Which seeds need to be scarified from Marble Falls TX November 08, 2013 Can I find out which seeds need to be scarified? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Ilex glabra a Good Substitute Hedge for Boxwood? November 08, 2013 I am planning a new garden in my yard (Mercer County, NJ). My site is south-facing, average water and average soil. The aesthetic look that I want is formal; a tightly sheared hedge of small leaves ab... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of a vine in Tennessee November 08, 2013 I am trying to identify a vine growing on the ground under what looks to be a holly bush. I have pictures of it if there is an email I can send them to? Thank You!!!! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Lingonberry 'Ida' Source for Commercial Production in the Pacific NW November 08, 2013 I am having difficulty locating a Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) cultivar named 'Ida'. Where can I purchase this plant for commercial production in the Pacific Northwest? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propagating Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) November 08, 2013 I am a gardener for the city of San Francisco. I am just curious about the best way to prepare an acorn from Quercus agrifolia for planting. I have heard many ideas about using sandpaper and microwavi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Response to previous answer from Ft. Worth TX November 07, 2013 What email can I respond to Barbara Medford QUESTION: View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for church gardens in Ft. Worth TX November 07, 2013 Second attempt. Our church has many gardens in Fort Worth, TX. There are gardens for blue,red,yellow,white,purple,orange,pink,mixed,community garden,roses, and more. I am interested in the la... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Why is butterfly weeds blooming in October? November 07, 2013 I live in Horseshoe Bay Texas and have native landscape environment. Last year, in early September, I had a plethora of butterfly weed in bloom and a large variety and quantity of butterflies. This ye... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are there plants that are resistant to axis deer? November 07, 2013 Greetings! I live about 10 miles south of Kerrville, Texas, toward Medina. I wish to begin planting more natives on a plot we have recently purchased. Some plants will go inside a fence that deer... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ruffly foliage on native lantana November 05, 2013 A native lantana in my front yard has developed ruffly foliage on one stem. It looks like miniature broccoli. What can this be? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplanting Indian Paintbrush in Corona CA November 05, 2013 I have a very mature Indian Paintbrush Plant that was becoming too large for the area I had originally planted it in, so I transplanted it to an area much more suited for its size. I reviewed the que... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grapevine at the Wildflower Center November 05, 2013 Hello :) I recently visited the Lady Bird Wildflower Center for Goblins in the Garden. I'm curious if you all know exactly what type of grape is growing in the back of the garden near the "Heali... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fasciated Texas mountain laurel November 05, 2013 I've noticed some strange things hanging off some of the purple mountain laurels in my area. They hang low, and look almost like large, dangling trumpet flowers, but are flat, and have little bumps o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen plant to grow to 6 feet tall with flowers and non-toxic November 04, 2013 I live in South Texas, and in town. I am looking for plant that grows taller than 6 feet and is non toxic to people and pets. Would also like for it to be pest and disease free or minimal. Need it ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Coursetia axillaris from cuttings from Elmendorf TX October 31, 2013 I have been able to propagate the Coursetia axillaris (Texas Babybonnets) from cuttings. Will the plants grown from cuttings bloom faster? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Rose bush varieties and time to plant from Hutto TX October 31, 2013 What rose bush varieties are recommended for the Hutto Texas area and what time of year is the best time to plant into ground? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant Identification October 31, 2013 I have a plant that is about 6ft high, single stem or 2 or 3 together. from this stem are leaves, alternate and large, about 5-6 inches long, they are about 2.5" wide, irregular edges from the middle... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Strappy leaves on rudbeckias from Houston October 31, 2013 My Rudbeckias keep sending up odd shoots with strappy leaves on them. Should these be cut off? What is their purpose? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Annual ryegrass and Habiturf from Austin October 31, 2013 We've decided to put Habiturf in our freshly cleared back yard that was overgrown with sticky burs and crabgrass, but now that it is fall, would you recommend putting in a cover crop of annual ryegra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Winter care of Asclepias tuberosa from Austin October 31, 2013 We have several asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed). Monarch caterpillars have found and denuded them. We are excited about all of the Monarch caterpillars, but unsure of what to do next. What do we... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Germination of Purple Clematis from Junction TX October 31, 2013 I have some Purple Leather Vine seeds I want to share and want help learning to germinate. Can anyone there help me find interested recipients? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of vine with seed cluster that looks like a 3D star October 28, 2013 I found a weird vine on the creek bank with seed clusters that look like a 3D star they also have hair like thorns on them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are bald cypress cones toxic to dogs? October 27, 2013 Are bald cypress tree seed pods poisonous? to dogs? We just got a rescue dog and we go out in the yard with her. But now that we are into fall and the pods are falling. She goes right to them. Are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants Toxic to Horses October 26, 2013 I want to put planters on the front of my horse barn, which is also in the front field, so the horses could eat what is in it if they want to. I am looking to put a miniature pine tree in the planter.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Do white-tailed deer consume King Ranch bluestem? October 25, 2013 Will white-tail deer in central Texas consume King Ranch bluestem ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Medium-sized trees for Central Texas October 25, 2013 I need some help figuring out what 2 trees to plant to replace 2 trees that are being taken down on Monday. The input we've received from the company doing the tree cleanup is to go with a chinkapi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Alternative for sedges for turf-like lawn in shade October 25, 2013 When it comes to a turf-like lawn in shade, is it pretty much sedges or nothing among native options? By the way, I write from up north here in Iowa. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas October 25, 2013 I was hoping you could suggest a few plants that would serve several purposes. I live in New Braunfels, TX and would like to incorporate as many drought tolerant plants which would support birds, but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling erosion with grasses in Dallas, TX October 19, 2013 After consulting with several geological engineers and the city of Dallas engineers - we know that our severe erosion problem can only be fixed by building a 35' foot high gabion wall about 150' in ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
School project on acid rain effects on plants from Austin October 18, 2013 Hi I go to an Austin high school and I am doing a project on how acid rain affects plant growth. I am wondering if you know any plants that would be more or less susceptible to acid rain for this proj... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Injury from non-native Canary Palm from Torrance CA October 18, 2013 I got stuck in the eye a yr ago by a Phoenix canariensis. It went through my retina and through the integral chamber and put a stamp on my lense. There was no room for any more err without causing bli... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |