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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| Identification of bush/vine with purple berries August 09, 2014 I was clearing fence line and came across this plant it looks like a Bush but underneath grows like a vine it has long broad leaves that reminded me of Polk salad but it grows berry clusters the berri... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Tree that looks like cedar elm but with smooth bark August 09, 2014 What tree looks like a cedar elm, but has smooth bark? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant identification August 07, 2014 there is a plant in our yard...I believe it to be in the seed phase..it has 3 or 5 pointed leaves topped with a green fuzzy ball then another set of leaves and a green fuzzy ball..this is continued a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant identification August 06, 2014 I have a plant my kids got me, but I cant figure out what it is. It has long thick waxy leaves and instead of flowers the leaves at the top turn white. Do you know what it is? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant identification of orange-flowered plant with portulaca-like leaves August 02, 2014 As a last resort, I'm asking you. The plant identification page has not been helpful. Recently moved to Breckenridge, Texas and found several plants with 5 petaled orange flowers in the pasture. L... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| The most common wildflower in the United States July 29, 2014 What is the most common wildflower in the United States? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant identification July 29, 2014 I have a plant in my yard about 3' high, narrow pointy smooth leaves covered with small berries that are turning purple. What is this? a weed? should I eliminate it from my xeriscape garden or wel... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of vine with feathery leaves and deep pink flowers July 28, 2014 I have growing up my porch what appears to be a vine with feathery leaves and small deep pink flowers. There is no water sources near by. Can you tell me what it is? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Larkspur with pink and white flowers July 26, 2014 Hi - I have been photographing larkspurs (mainly D. bicolor) in Montana for years now and I found one that I can't identify. The leaves and flower structure all appear to be D. bicolor, but the flow... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Ripe fruit of Melothria pendula (Guadaloupe cucumber) July 22, 2014 I see the pictures of the guadualupe cucumber plant. The fruit is still green. When it matures does it look like a small tomato? I have noticed the vine when the fruit is ripe. This is in McLennan C... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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