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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| Ruffly foliage on native lantana November 05, 2013 A native lantana in my front yard has developed ruffly foliage on one stem. It looks like miniature broccoli. What can this be? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| School project on acid rain effects on plants from Austin October 18, 2013 Hi I go to an Austin high school and I am doing a project on how acid rain affects plant growth. I am wondering if you know any plants that would be more or less susceptible to acid rain for this proj... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why plants grow in very hot or very cold areas from Edison NJ October 06, 2013 Why can some plants grow where very cold or very hot? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant-related skin rashes from Round Rock TX September 23, 2013 I have been plagued with persistent skin rashes this summer, and it is happening with plants that have never bothered me before, for example, red yucca. The dermatologist says it is a plant reaction,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| White and red Turk's cap and possible crossing September 18, 2013 I have had some white Turk's cap for several years. This year, some red Turk's cap has appeared among it. I have the red in another location. Will the red become dominant if I leave it among the whi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| What are the differences between Arbutus xalapensis, A. unedo and A. marina August 29, 2013 One nursery lists madrone trees as arbutus uneda compacta and arbutus marina. The other lists it as arbutus xalapensis, which is the only name I can find in the data base. There is a very large pric... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fragrance in fragrant plants. August 21, 2013 Why are some flowering plants known for fragrance not fragrant or as fragrant? Is it a nutrition deficiency or just the plant? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How does Styrax youngiae differ from other Texas Styrax species? August 18, 2013 How does the Styrax youngae differ from other Texas styrax? Where can I find a description of all the Texas styrax trees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| What is a Demaree Rose? August 14, 2013 Have been told the Apache Plume is the Wild Rose after which the Wild Rose Pass north of Ft. Davis was named. However, other research indicates it was the Demaree Rose. What is true and are there ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Fragrant Texas wildflowers from Waco TX July 28, 2013 Hi, I'm interested in looking at any Texas Wildflowers which have attractive aromas which I can distill essential oil from. Any ideas? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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