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 | |
Will a barrier hedge of Agarita cause any problems for horses and cattle? January 28, 2009 Will planting a hedge of Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) at the fence line in my blackland prairie pasture cause any problems for my horses and cattle. I am trying to create a sound and sight barrier ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Weeds safe for rabbits to eat January 21, 2009 I have several types of weeds running rampant in my large backyard. I can't seem to keep up with them. I have a couple rabbits and was wondering if the weeds are edible and would be okay to feed to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Do palm trees put off a toxic smoke when burnt? December 09, 2008 do palm trees put off a toxic smoke when burnt View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is scarlet buckeye (Aesculus pavia) poisonous? December 01, 2008 Is a scarlet buckeye poisonous? Anna View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia sp.) toxic to horses? November 21, 2008 Are crepe myrtle trees toxic to horses ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tropical looking plants for pool area in California November 14, 2008 I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Topical treatment for poison ivy rash November 12, 2008 I would like to know a topical treatment for the poison ivy rash View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
GMO/GE crops killing wildflowers and insects October 31, 2008 Hi, I've read where GMO/GE crops in other countries were killing the wildflowers and insects adjacent to those fields. Have you had any reports of this North America. Best regards. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Alpacas poisoned in pasture in Texas October 26, 2008 Two of my alpacas were poisoned by something growing in two of my pastures. One of the suspects is cussus trifoliata, aka, cow itch vine, sorrelvine. I have searched diligently and can find no refere... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Non-toxic, non-invasive native flowers for horses October 12, 2008 Hi I have a couple areas in and bordering horse pastures that I would like to plant with native flowers. I can find lists of toxic flowers but not non toxic native ones. Id like non -toxic non-invas... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Wintering over an Angel Trumpet in Kentucky September 20, 2008 I have an Angel Trumpet on my deck in LaGrange,Ky -Can I plant it out in the yard now or do I have to take it in the house for the winter- It is 5 feet tall and I have no room in the house! Help!-Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) poisonous to pets? Probaly not. September 08, 2008 Is Spanish Moss poisonous to pets? I have a dog which will eat anything. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Curing plant rash September 02, 2008 I went walking in the woods a few weeks ago, and my leg swiped some kind of cactus or something. It scratched me up and I had to remove little white spines with tweezers. I developed an intensely itch... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants referred to as Hummingbird plants August 22, 2008 We have a a plant that is sometimes called a Hummingbird Plant, sometimes a Firecracker plant. I have also seen the name lonicera sempervirens. Are they poisonous? This is a plant, not a vine. T... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are palm leaves poisonous? August 18, 2008 Are palm tree leaves poisionous? Because my dad was doing yard work and was stuck by a palm tree leaf in his calf. His calf has swollen and in he thinks it broke off in his calf. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are leaves of banana trees poisonous? August 10, 2008 are the leaves of banana trees poisonous? the tree will be in a preschool classroom How do i care for the tree? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hardy plants for a narrow yard in Illinois July 28, 2008 I have an area in my yard that is approx 35 feet by 5 feet that is shaded on the east by a 4 ft fence and on the west by the house and above by trees. It slopes off to the neighbors yard (so doesn't ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) July 28, 2008 When I bought my land, there was a humongous thicket of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) approx 10 ft high and covering 5-10 acres. I raise goats, and have known that wild plums (the leaves) can cause... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant with poisonous thorns July 27, 2008 Is there a bush or tree out there that has thorns on it that can make you swell and cause you to feel like you can hardly move you're whole hand. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are oleanders poisonous? July 18, 2008 Are Oleanders poisonous? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to replace poison ivy and brush June 23, 2008 I am right next to a highway in Paradise, CA 95969. I am having brush and poison oak removed in that area and want to plant something fast growing and draught resistant. I am thinking about Oleander... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are seeds of Tecoma stans (yellow bells) toxic to birds June 22, 2008 We have several Tacoma Stans in our yard and several pets (dogs & a Cockatoo). My Too is very interested in the beans of this plant. Are the beans poisonous to birds? Dogs? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Poisonous plant in Ohio with hydrangea-like flower June 09, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I was sure that I had read that there is a poisonous bush that is native to Ohio that has flowers something like a white hydrangea..or was it queen ann's lace? I believe the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are black walnut and sugar maple poisonous to alpacas June 09, 2008 I have alpacas and wonder if black walnut or sugar maple are poisonous to them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plum trees (Prunus spp.) poisonous to horses June 08, 2008 Are fruitless plum trees poisonous to horses View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |