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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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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Fall care for Fan Scarlet lobelia in Rock Island IL November 09, 2009 What do I do with Scarlet Fan lobelia in the fall; do I cut it back or let it go as is? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are the seeds of Texas ebony poisonous to dogs from Chandler AZ October 30, 2009 Please tell me if it is dangerous for my puppy to eat the seeds of a Texas ebony. She seems to be attracted to them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Parthenocissus heptaphylla poisonous? October 27, 2009 Hi, I have a simple question for you, but I can't seem to find the answer to it. Is Parthenocissus heptaphylla toxic the way the VA creeper is? From what I've read, they're very similar in many way... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is hopseed bush poisonous to horses in San Diego October 26, 2009 I need to plant a hedge to block unwanted neighbors and shield the horse corral from the house. I love the hopseed bush for its growing habits and color, especially the purple hopseed. I need to know ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are Smilax species toxic? October 23, 2009 I have a plant that the agriculture department told me was similax. I have a severe allergic reaction to it, after digging up the roots (potato) and burning them. I had a feeling my lungs inside were ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Datura in the state of Washington. October 09, 2009 I have a datura species growing beneath my bird feeder. How did it get here in Western Washington?? It has the typical fragrant, tubular flowers & spiky seed pods. It has grown 3' tall & 4' wide. Am... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are leatherleaf viburnum or Carolina Sapphire toxic to horses? October 03, 2009 Are Leather-leaf Viburnum or Carolina Saphire toxic to equine? I would like to plant them near the fence line. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Precautions to take with Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum September 13, 2009 Are there precautions to take, such as wearing gloves while separating the seeds from the Jack In The Pulpit berries. The photos I have seen have gloved hands. I've read that the plant is toxic if in... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Itchy hands from handling Lantana plants September 13, 2009 I am in Ocala,FL. I pick up with my hands branches from a cut down Lantana Plant. My hands are very itchy, what can I do. THANK YOU FOR YOU. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants and possible poisonous plants in Aguanga, California August 31, 2009 I am in the process of moving to Aguanga California. I am interested in knowing what the native plants are in that area. Are they poison to animals and kids? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trimming Texas mountain laurel in Austin August 27, 2009 Is there a specific time to trim established mountain laurels? Should I cut off the dried seed pods since they are weighing down the branches? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are palm leaves poisonous? August 25, 2009 I live in a second story house surronded by various types of palm trees on the west coast of Florida. My 1 year old son crawls on the decks and tries to taste all of the palm leaves that sneak through... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants safe for donkeys in Foristell MO August 22, 2009 I am looking for a plant that can grow next to a farm fence, preferably the length of the fence approx 75 ft. in a long row, one that miniature donkeys can safely eat, if they so choose. I like your ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplanting adventitious shoots of a mountain laurel in San Antonio August 20, 2009 Is it possible to transplant branches (shoots) growing from a mountain laurel that was chopped down? Some are two years old and several feet tall (but not yet blooming) and some as small as a foot. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Toxicity of Yucca leaves San Marcos, TX August 19, 2009 Can you tell me if Yucca constricta leaves are poisonous? I ran into one at night and the next morning had a hive-like, VERY itchy rash. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Toxic effect of mulberry fruits and sap August 18, 2009 What would be the toxic effect of the unripe fruit of the mulberry tree or the white sap? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What tree berries causes blisters in PA? July 22, 2009 This summer my family was playing with some berries picked from a tree in our backyard. They would place them in their mouths and shoot them through homemade pea-shooters. Shortly after everyone beg... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is carrotwood poisonous to Boston Terrier in Rancho Cucamonga CA? July 20, 2009 My Boston Terrier always goes to our carrotwood tree and licks the base. He gets so excited that he drools all over the place? Why does this tree cause this reaction in our dog? Is it poisonous to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Desert willow poisonous to horses in Boerne TX July 17, 2009 I have just purchased Bubba Desert Willows and have horses. Will they eat them, do you know and if so will they be harmed? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant identification from Peoria IL July 10, 2009 I removed a plant from our workplace that employees were afraid was hallucinogenic seeds. Central Illinois. Very purple stem. Purple flowers. Black seeds. Any ideas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Skin irritation caused by hydrangea in Monroe GA July 06, 2009 Can Queen Anne Lace hydrangea cause a skin irritation such as poison ivy or oak? I picked up a branch that had broken off to discard and the following day I have a place on my arm about six inches lon... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to replace poison ivy in Kingsport TN July 03, 2009 Am in the process of killing off poison ivy that is growing vigorously. What do you recommend to plant in its place. I don't want to leave area open to other invasive plants. (Yes, poison ivy is a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Removing poison ivy around live oak in Hockley TX July 02, 2009 We have a large live oak in our backyard, estimated to be over 100 years old. I am working on clearing out the brush that is under the tree. Can I spray commercially available poison ivy killer in t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Poisonous cherries from trees in Angola, IN June 25, 2009 Are there any poisonous cherries from trees in Indiana? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Palm tip wound in Sacramento CA June 25, 2009 My husband was stuck in his calf with a palm leaf, he is now complaining of stiffness where it went in, is there any kind of poison in it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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