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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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Sunday - May 23, 2010

From: Olathe, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Cotonwood fluff in Kansas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Two weeks ago my yard, deck pond became covered in seeds/leaves not sure what it is but it looks like oatmeal. Any idea what plant it might come from.

ANSWER:

This sounds like the seeds from Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood).  Here are photos from Ontario , British Columbia and more photos from Minnesota.  Please check the final photo on this page titled "Cottonwood Trees in Kansas" to see cottonwood fluff that looks a bit like oatmeal.
 

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