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 - December 19, 2005
From: Paynton, SK
Region: Canada
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Hardiness of non-native Lycium barbarum for Saschatewan
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Lycium barbarnum. What is its hardiness and where can it be grown?ANSWER:
Matrimony vine (Lycium barbarum) is introduced from Asia, but now can be found in all the contiguous states of the US except Arizona, Louisiana, and Florida. It does have edible and medicinal uses. Plants for a Future lists its hardiness to about -15 degrees C. (5 degrees F.) B & T World Seeds lists its hardiness to about -23 degrees C (-10 degrees F.) or suitable for USDA Zone 6. Saskatewan appears to be in Zone 3 as seen on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map where the minimum temperatures can be as low as -40 degrees C. (-40 degrees F.). If you want to grow it in Saskatchewan, you should consider doing so in a greenhouse.More Non-Natives Questions
Alternatives to non-native heather (Calluna vulgaris)
April 27, 2007 - I live in Vernon, BC, Canada. I plan to put a heather plant in my garden, but my space is limited. I know that it will grow approx. 2 ft. high and that it likes well drained and acidic soil, but how...
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Plants to replace hydrangeas in a wet area in New York
July 09, 2010 - Dear Smarty,
Two years ago I planted 4 Endless Summer Hydrangas in front of the front porch of my summer cottage on Saratoga Lake. The first year they struggled the second they are limp. Can you give...
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Removal of non-native zoysia grass from Burgettstown PA
September 12, 2013 - What is the most effective method of killing zoysia grass? We bought a house that sits in the center of four acres of mature zoysia. It looks beautiful, however, despite our best efforts at "weeding...
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Invasive, non-native Eragrostis cilianensis, stink grass
March 22, 2005 - I am writing a children's book for Darby Creek Publishing about smelly plants and animals. I have read that Eragrostis cilianensis is one of the few bad-smelling grasses. Would the purpose of the o...
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Identification of non-native Nothoscordum borbonicum in Louisiana
March 26, 2006 - There were some small white flowers that grow everywhere in Shreveport and probably elsewhere. Mother called them Crows Feet. I see them if I am home in the Springtime, smell them too. Is Crow's foot...
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