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 | |
Care for century plant June 06, 2007 What is the best way to care for a Century Plant? We were given one as a gift and don't know what to do with it. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of Spanish Dagger (Yucca treculeana) after blooming May 27, 2007 I live in Austin and have a 5 ft spanish dagger in my backyard. Now that it has bloomed and the flowers have withered in May, should I cut off the center stalk or will it bloom again from the same st... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ravaged by snails May 23, 2007 Our Prickly Pear Cactus is being completely ravaged by snails. Is there something in my yard that could be attracting them? Is there something I can do to keep them off the plant? Also is is safe to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Semelparous: plant that dies after reproduces. Agave and bamboo. May 15, 2007 There is a term for a plant who lives its life (usually more than 2 years) sends up a spectacular flowering structure, and then dies. what is that term? a certain plant that falls into that category... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Root depth of opuntia May 15, 2007 What can you tell me about the depth of roots of the opuntia? Does it vary with different varieties or is there formula to estimate the depth according to the mature size or to the culture - garden ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
20 years to bloom May 02, 2007 My girlfriend and i have come up with an interesting question, we were wondering if there is a plant in existance that takes over 20 years to bloom, and how many different kinds (if any) there are? We... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Eliminating prickly pear March 24, 2007 What is best practice for eliminating 100+ acres of dense prickly pear? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Soil for Agave americana March 20, 2007 Can you give me some information on soil admendments for growing Agave (Century Plant)? I kept it in a pot during the winter and now I am ready to plant it in my beds View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Selenicereus anthonyanus, Rickrack or Fishbone Cactus February 28, 2007 A friend of mine gave me a plant he said was a rick rack plant. I have tried to research it on line with no luck and I don't know the scientific name...any help? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Boundary plants to control cats June 06, 2006 Is there a plant especially ANNOYING to cats that I could plant along my fence line to keep him away from the street beyond? It would have to be hardy enough for hot temps & full sun. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |