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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| Can Crataegus viridian be grown in Houston, TX? June 21, 2015 I am looking to plant Crataegus viridis (species or cultivar "Winter King") at a location in full sun in Houston. Many places I've found online say that it is hearty through Zone 9, but others have... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native flowering aromatic trees for Frisco, Texas June 21, 2015 Dear Smartplants, I live in Frisco, Texas. Could you please suggest me good native flowering aromatic trees from 12 to 50 feet. Thank you so much View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Poolside plants for East Texas June 18, 2015 What are the best plants, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. for poolside planting in East Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Pruning non-native peach in Austin, TX. June 18, 2015 I planted two five gallon Texas Star peach trees last February but didn't have the nerve to prune them back to knee height. After having been convinced that this is a good thing to do, I'd like to k... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Spacing of Trees near a House Foundation June 18, 2015 Can you recommend non-invasive shade tree that can be planted 6 to 7 feet from foundation. We are buying a new home in zone 8a and choices that are given are: Live Oak, Lacebark Elm, Cedar Elm, and B... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need fast growing shade tree in San Diego County, CA June 17, 2015 I am looking for a fast growing tree that provides great shade. The reason being, is I need shade for three horseshoe pits and the sooner i get shade, the better. I live in San Diego county, zone 9b. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Red oak leaves have a swelling along the veins June 17, 2015 I have red oaks in my back yard, approx 30 or more have a disease that are wilting the leaves. Looking at the back of the leaf there is swelling along the spines. I've gone to one nursery in town ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Brown spots on native oak trees June 16, 2015 Hi, My native live oak trees are declining. The leaves have small brown spots that increase in size until the leaf dies and falls off, then the branch and then the entire limb. I have not watered the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Driveway through a cluster of Oak trees June 16, 2015 Construction of a cement driveway through an 8 tree cluster of escarpment oaks is going to require removal of 2 trees in the center. How can this be done without causing damage to remaining trees? Als... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Recommend a plant similar to Corkscrew Willow for Austin, TX. June 16, 2015 Do corkscrew willows do well in Austin, TX? If not, can you recommend a willow like tree to plant along the banks of a creek? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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