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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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.
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Wednesday - April 02, 2008
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native, invasive Rapistrum rugosum
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is the name of the alien, spindly, yellow mustard that we see blooming around Austin now ? Is it Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale) ?ANSWER:
We believe the one you are referring to, which is indeed in bloom all over Austin right now, is Rapistrum rugosum, Bastard-Cabbage. It is native to Central Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. The website we have linked you to is the Plant Conservation Alliance Least Wanted List. You can compare it with this picture and descriptive article about Sisymbrium officinale, Hedge mustard.
More Non-Natives Questions
Penta and licorice plants for Austin
May 04, 2009 - For Austin location
Are you familiar with a small flowering plant called Penta?
How about Licorice?
If yes, could you provide growing conditions.
Thanks
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Bastard cabbage in Austin TX
March 17, 2012 - Not sure if this is the forum to address this; but is there any effort out there to do something about the bastard cabbage taking over Austin? Especially on MoPac where you can hardly see the bluebon...
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Care of non-native Betula pendula 'Youngii' (Young's Weeping Birch)
June 04, 2009 - We planted a Young's Weeping Birch on the side of our house here in NJ a few weeks ago and it seems to be thriving. When we purchased Fred (which is what we've named our youngster), he was in a pot ...
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Yellow leaves on non-native pittisporum in Wharton TX
March 17, 2009 - Green pittisporum that I planted 2 years ago and 1 year ago are getting a lot of yellow leaves. Variegated pittisporum that I planted at the same 2 times are doing fine.
view the full question and answer
Non-native gardenias in Southampton Ontario
July 31, 2012 - I purchased 3 gardenias this year for the garden. Now I'm told that I can't leave them out all year round here in mid/western Ontario.
Is this true, and if so, how do I keep them over the winter i...
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