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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Monday - March 30, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Are Texas mallows the source of marshmallows?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Did marshmallows that we eat originate from our native Texas mallow plants?ANSWER:
No, but you're on the right track! The origin of marshmallows as we know them today is not known with certainty, but the source is believed to be Althaea officinalis, Marsh mallow or Common marsh-mallow, a native of Africa and Europe. The pith of this plant, mixed with sugar and cooked, was used in early marshmallow recipes.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
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Source of Tridens flavus, purple-top grass
February 23, 2005 - Will you kindly refer me to a grower from whom I may purchase plugs of Tridens flavus, purple-top grass. for a meadow installation in zone 6.
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Locating native plant landscaper in Austin, TX
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Source for common names of plants in the United States
January 16, 2008 - Hello Mr. Plants!
I am writing to you on behalf of Carol Sharp who is one of the leading plant
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Source for seed of Blackfoot Daisy from Amarillo TX
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