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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| Acre-scale Grass Removal near Austin, TX July 04, 2014 How do I get rid of 10 acres of Kleingrass? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Verbena bonariensis won't bloom in Galveston, TX. July 03, 2014 My Verbena bonariensis is thriving, but never blooms. The plants look healthy, are about 6 feet tall and in full sun. The buds turn light purple but never open to flower. My neighbor's vb are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Eliminating silverleaf nightshade from Albuquerque NM June 07, 2014 I have silverleaf nightshade in my yard and would like to eradicate it (yeah, I know, good luck!) or at least control it. Do you have any suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need for smaller tree with less invasive roots from Ft. Worth TX June 07, 2014 The sycamore in the front yard has developed roots larger than the branches. They have decided that the water and sewer lines are perfect to acquire their water from. For this reason it will be coming... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Drought tolerant grass for small lawn from Woodbury TX June 07, 2014 Trying to establish small lawn area, needs to be drought tolerant, water wise. Have tried Turffalo with poor results. Recommendation please. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Giant Thistle-Like Plant from Elgin, TX June 01, 2014 I have a giant thistle like plant in my field we have been unable to identify. It looks like a milk thistle but it is short..only about a foot tall..stocky...and the flowers are giant..about 6 to 8 i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Removal of thistles from Columbus TX May 20, 2014 I am sorry if you have an answer in FAQs but I could not find it. We recently cleared property near Columbus Texas of many cedars (ash junipers). This spring we experienced a profusion of thistle -... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why do conifers kill Texas hummingbird sage from Gray GA April 15, 2014 Why do conifers kill Texas hummingbird sage? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Defense against poison ivy from The Woodlands TX March 24, 2014 Hi and thank you in advance for your help. My husband is allergic to Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, or something in our yard. We need someone who is very knowledgeable to come and identify any poisonous pla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is Mimosa pudica poisonous from Janesville WI February 21, 2014 I have just recently learned of Mimosa Pudica also known as the sensitive plant. I see using the USDA website that it can be found in the USA so I think that covers the North America aspect. I have b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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