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

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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!

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Thursday - July 03, 2008

From: Iredell, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Shrubs
Title: Information about blackleaf elderberry
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I was given a blackleaf elderberry. Do I plant this tree in shade or sun? Also, does it require a lot of moisture? Thank you.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants assumes you are talking about the Black Lace cultivar of Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). According to this source, it will grow in part shade or sun, but does best in full sun to give the dark leaf color. It prefers moist soil but will tolerate drier soils.
 

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