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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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Monday - July 14, 2008

From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Dog eats horse herb (Calyptocarpus vialis)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

This is not a question but in response to one of your answers. My dog eats horse herb all the time. He seems to use it to calm his stomach or throat from acid indigestion. He had an ulcer and would eat this after he vomited.

ANSWER:

Very interesting! You are responding to the answer to this question, I presume. Dogs (and other so-called "dumb" animals) often know many things that we "intelligent" humans don't know. I still don't think I would try it myself, though.
 

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