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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

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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Wednesday - March 17, 2010

From: Fort Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Plant identification of tree with white blossoms in Fort Worth
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Live in Fort Worth, TX. Any idea what are trees blooming this week (3/18), with white blossoms and an oval green leaf about the size of a half dollar? The bark looks like an oak.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants thinks your tree is the non-native,  Pyrus calleryana (Callery pear).  It is a native of China and Korea and is considered an invasive species over much of the Eastern US.  There are several varieties—Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' (Bradford pear) is one of the most popular varieties, but 'Aristocrat' is gaining in popularity.
 

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