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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| Plant identification August 04, 2012 We found a bush on our ranch in southern Gonzales County. It has oval shaped leaves about an inch long. There are no thorns on the branches. Fruit is round and smooth, the size of a small cherry to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Non-toxic plants for dog yard from Freeport PA June 24, 2012 I'm looking for wildlife-friendly native plants that aren't toxic to dogs. I have a place for some small shrubs and/or flowers. And a climbing vine that I could train on a trellis would work espec... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas May 29, 2012 What is the name of a poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need options for smaller trees in neighborhoods in Austin, TX. May 25, 2012 Please discuss smaller tree options for typical Austin neighborhood yards. These houses are built close together on the sides, and only have smallish back yards. They just don't have space for big 50... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of a plant that looks like a watermelon. May 21, 2012 A wild plant came up in my bed that looked like a watermelon plant. It had small yellow blooms and then marble balls formed with prickly thorns. The balls were in clusters. What kind of plant is i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Huisaches in pots from Houston TX May 20, 2012 I have special (and probably weird) affinity to huisaches (acacia farnesiana). As a child I used to admire the three that elegantly guarded our backyard looking almost like fingers reaching for the s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Rash resulting from cutting trees in NC. May 08, 2012 My boyfriend was cutting some trees yesterday. He had thorns in his hands after he was done, and today he has a rash on his legs, a fever and he feels like throwing up. Can you tell me if its symptoms... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Winter- and drought-resistant plant for North Central Texas April 11, 2012 I would like to know is there a good winter and drought resistant flowering bush for my area. I would like something with bigger flowers like azaleas or roses maybe bigger, that will not grow anymore... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Sap from agave causing reactions from Edgewater FL April 06, 2012 Not only was I stuck with the century plant thorns and needle like ends when I was digging up its pups, but I also broke the carrot-like root of a few when I was transplanting and got the white sap on... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identity of flowering yellow trees in Austin March 21, 2012 There are numerous flowering yellow trees in my Austin neighborhood. Are they mesquite or goldenball lead trees? They are quite fragrant, like a new bar of soap. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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