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.
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.

rate this answer

Monday - May 10, 2010
From: Taylor, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Picture of fungus on winecups in Taylor TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
My error! I rated your answer to my question as 3 stars. I did not know how the rating worked and I accidentally chose 3. Your response was great. I would like to send you a picture of the spores/fungus for your review. Thanks and again, sorry for the marginal review I accidentally sent in. PhilipANSWER:
That was not a "marginal" review. That was a very nice review. We rarely get any response at all, including stars, and are always gratified at positive feedback. Since I am not in the channel to get pictures, and it would be confusing to the members of the Mr. Smarty Plants team that are, it isn't necessary to send a picture. So many plant problems look the same and, since we are not plant pathologists, are generally treated with the same provisions of changing whatever the cause is, a picture would not be likely to help too much. It's always nice to be appreciated, and we hope the "fix" of drier soil works.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Advisability of trimming oak trees in August
July 13, 2007 - In general,what is your opinion on pruning oak trees in August? If it is positive, should the extreme moisture of this year affect the timing?
view the full question and answer
Mountain Laurel slowly dying in San Antonio, TX
December 26, 2012 - My Texas Mountain Laurel seems to be dying in a slow unusual manner.
Over the past two weeks the leaves have been turning yellow and falling off starting with the south facing side of my multi-tru...
view the full question and answer
Watering Houseplants with Soapy Water
August 22, 2011 - I accidentally watered my house plants with a container that had a some dishsoap in it. Will they be okay? One of the plants is a 20yr old cactus, with small roots.
view the full question and answer
Mutation in bluebonnets from Elgin TX
April 16, 2013 - What causes bluebonnets to mutate..grow as if three or four are combined into one flower on one very flat, wide stem. I have these in my yard; they are beautiful! I have taken several pictures.
view the full question and answer
Problems with hibiscus tree in Wichita Falls, TX
November 10, 2008 - My Hibiscus trees have black spots on the leaves. What might this be and what is the remedy?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |