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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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.
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| Narrow, Small Tree for Austin, Texas Yard December 17, 2015 I need recommendation on what type of tree to plant between our neighbors and our home. The wall to wall space is 15 feet at best, with a fence in between. Currently we have a young mulberry but are b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Transplanting Evergreen Sumac December 09, 2015 I would like to transplant evergreen sumac from my back to the front yard. They are about 6-8 foot tall. I live in El Paso, TX and it gets plenty of sunlight. I am wondering 1) Is November in El Paso,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Decreasing the Height of Smooth Sumac December 09, 2015 I have a 9-10 ft. Smooth Sumac that I purchased from an LJWC plant sale several years ago. It has a main trunk and one branch about halfway up. I have read that these sumacs can be pruned down to almo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Dividing Hesperaloe December 09, 2015 How and when can I successfully separate a clump of Hesperaloe Parviflora into smaller bunches? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Erosion Control Shrubs and Groundcovers for Steep NY Wooded Slope November 28, 2015 I need to cover a couple of very steep slopes in upstate New York that are partially wooded and near a brook. The slopes are about 130 feet back from the brook. Someone estimated that there is a coupl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Propagating Bauhinia lunarioides November 28, 2015 For a Master Gardener Intern project I am attempting to propagate the native orchid tree/Anacacho, Bauhinia lunarioides via root, cuttings, and seed. I have scarified the seeds - how long should it ta... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Thorn bushes for a fence in Puerto Rico November 17, 2015 I'm looking for thorn bushes that grow in Puerto Rico. Want to use as fence to keep wild life in. Thanks, at least 5 ft tall so dogs can't get out. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen shrub for Austin TX shade October 24, 2015 I live in Austin, TX. I'm looking for a 4 season shrub for a partially shaded area that gets about 3 hours of sun towards the evening. It's mostly partially shaded. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Food Allergy to Beautyberry or Persimmon? October 22, 2015 I think I might have a food allergy to Beautyberry or American Persimmon, eaten Saturday at the North Carolina Great Dismal park. These were the only strange foods recently, though I've had persimmo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native plants that do not attract any kind of wildlife. October 19, 2015 Hi I live in Bexar County, Texas and I was wondering what would be some good NATIVE plants that could be planted in yards that do not attract any kind of wildlife (so no berries, nuts, fruits, thick c... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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