Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - August 05, 2005

From: Santa Fe, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Possibility of over-watering of Asclepias tuberosa
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Another question about butterfly weeds, the leaves on one of my plants are turning a yellow-red color and the blossoms seem to be dying (drying up) before they can bloom. It is right in the same area as the other 2 plants. Is it getting too much water? The other 2 are doing great. Thanks!

ANSWER:

It is hard to say exactly what is going on with your butterfly weed without seeing it. If the affected plant is not right beside the other two that are doing well, it could be that it is getting too much water. Most of the Genus Ascleipias (milkweeds) prefer dry soil. The orange butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in particular likes dry, well-drained soil. However, if they are all close together and only the one is not doing well, it may be something (a fungus, perhaps) affecting the roots or the crown. Too much watering would encourage fungal growth.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Fertilizing wild bluebonnets
September 26, 2007 - Can you fertilize wild bluebonnets? If so, with what and when?
view the full question and answer

Plants to prevent erosion in IL
August 02, 2012 - We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye...
view the full question and answer

Dandelions in bluebonnets in Bastrop TX
May 31, 2012 - I have a 20'x60' front yard area where I planted bluebonnets. It has become horrifically inundated with dandelions. How do I eradicate the dandelions while preserving the bluebonnets ? Thanks ...
view the full question and answer

Visit Texas to see the Bluebonnets
March 14, 2004 - When is a good time to visit Texas to see the Bluebonnets?
view the full question and answer

More on bluebonnets
April 06, 2007 - What role did Mrs. Johnson play in preserving the bluebonnet, our state flower?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.