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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!

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

 
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Monday - April 05, 2010

From: Woodbridge, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Mystery fast-growing plant with the honeysuckle
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Mr. Smarty Plants, We have a section of honeysuckle, then a section of this 4 foot, bright, hairy green leafed, thorn bush that seems to be blooming/growing faster than the honeysuckle. Then a section of honeysuckle, then the 4-foot big, bright green thing. Both are growing on the fence, in our yard and from the creek. Neither neighbors have this plant growing in their backyard. What is this Jolly Green Giant?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants thinks this plant sounds fascinating but is going to need a photograph or two to identify it.  Please visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page to read the instructions for submitting photos.  Please follow those instructions carefully and send us several photos.  We will do our very best to identify your Jolly Green Giant.
 

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