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?
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
| topic | question | |
| Are agaves really native from Pacific Palisades CA April 30, 2013 I just replied re agave issues, and mistakenly asked the source of your information. I see that you clearly noted it, apologies. I would note, however, that the Riverside area is very much a hot,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Clarification of question from Pitcairn PA April 23, 2013 What is the best site and book for wild stables in Pennsylvania? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Foxglove safety from England April 21, 2013 Hi, regarding safety of foxgloves grown near edible plants - foxgloves are good companion plants for vegetables, in case of root vegetables they improve their storage life and quality. Foxgloves prote... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Agarita suggestion for Houston area March 05, 2013 Another possible plant for the following question is agarita. The question: "Looking for a very, very, thorny three or four foot tall shrub for in front of windows to deter break-ins. Considering Ro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Comment from user on Smarty Plants answer February 12, 2013 Dear Mr.S I received a very thorough answer to my question about trimming native butterfly plants and wanted to thank you. I see that Ann Van Nest answered the question. I intended to give the reply... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Chile Pequin growing well in Charleston SC January 28, 2013 Not really a question. I have successfully grown from seed Chile Pequins I picked up in Texas here in Charleston Sc. They are so hardy they come back from their stalks each year and sprout from seeds ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Non-native avocado trees in Rio Grande Valley from Austin January 05, 2013 I just read the article in the Austin American Statesman about growing avocados outdoors. Don't know if they grow here, but they certainly don't just grow in south Florida. I used to live in Wesla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mexican species Orbexilum melanocarpum. January 04, 2013 This is not a question; just a note to supplement a previous MSP post answering a query about a source for Orbexilum. The "mountain pea" that the original questioner was asking about is the e... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Authenticity of a vendor from Pensacola FL December 26, 2012 Can you verify the authenticity of Alex Jones as someone who can help us? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Note on pond over oak roots from Round Rock TX December 23, 2012 Thanks very much to Barbara for answering my question about the live oaks - covering parts of their root systems with a pond. Your answer inspired discussion, and we changed our pond plan and moved th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |