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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Sunday - May 10, 2009
From: Lawrence, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: User Comments
Title: USDA hardiness Zones
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
I love your site..I don't live in Texas and would like it very much if you would include the zone with plant listings. Thank you for all your hard work!ANSWER:
We agree....that would be very cool. Unfortunately, because the plants in our plant database are native plant species, there is very little information out there about their USDA hardiness zones. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map was originally devised to determine where in the U.S. exotic ornamentals would thrive best and is a result of plant trials carried out on those species. The good news is that if you grow native plants from your area (see our recommended species page) they will be suitable for whatever zone you occupy.
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Plants native to Virginia
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User's comment on nativity of Beggar's Lice from Austin
May 20, 2014 - I think you were off the mark telling somebody that "beggar's lice" is a Texas native. According to Wikipedia, Torilis arvensis is an invasive species native to Eurasia. Cheers!
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Comment from user on Smarty Plants answer
February 12, 2013 - Dear Mr.S
I received a very thorough answer to my question about trimming native butterfly plants and wanted to thank you. I see that Ann Van Nest answered the question. I intended to give the reply...
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Strawberry tree with yellowing leaves.
June 07, 2009 - Just to add to your statistics, I live in Poulsbo, Washington, very near to Tacoma, Washington. My strawberry tree also has yellowing leaves with some black spots. I will take your advice with the iro...
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Wrong photo in Native Plant Database
August 18, 2008 - The picture to the left of the information for Rudbeckia laciniata L. shows a plant with a dark center. This is not the Cutleaf Conflower with which I am familiar. What is it?
Thank you.
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