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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 27, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Wildflowers
Title: What about the Bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend Recreational Area in Spicewood, TX ?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

We had heard about vast field of bluebonnets out at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area - an LCRA park in Spicewood. We went out today and there are indeed vast fields . . . all where Lake Travis would be if the lake was at normal levels. So the question is, how did the fields grow that large, that fast (since the lake started dropping significantly). I know bluebonnets propagate well with minimum effort, but the enormity of the fields there makes it seem like a good bit of work must have been done to get things started. Thanks.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants hasn’t seen this display, but it sounds spectacular.

He thinks that your best bet for an answer is to ask the LCRA by using their web site Contact LCRA.

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Coltsfoot invasive in Rindge NH
July 21, 2009 - I live in Rindge NH. My question is how do I stop colts foot from taking over my land? It is getting out of hand.
view the full question and answer

General information on native Fendlers sandwort (Arenaria fendeleri)
December 19, 2005 - I am trying to locate any general information on Fendler's Sandwort. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
view the full question and answer

Getting rid of Aphids on Asclepias plants in Brea, CA.
July 23, 2012 - I grow asclepsias or MILKWEED for the benefit of Monarchs. At times I have aphids consuming the leaves. How can I destroy the aphids without harming the Monarch eggs? Thank you very much.
view the full question and answer

Will Echinacea outgrow Spanish Needle?
July 07, 2016 - I'd like to plant some Echinacea in an area where Spanish Needle has been growing. I've pulled up the old plants, but I know there's seed there, actually everywhere in my yard! Is there any variety ...
view the full question and answer

Reproducing Echinacea 'Sunbeam' from Powthan VA
August 03, 2011 - I would like to reproduce a flowering plant- Sundown echinacea. I have a plant now. Can you give me info on how to do it? thanks so much.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.