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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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Tuesday - February 28, 2006

From: Reston, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification
Title: Identification of Beetleweed or Galax as
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My mother will soon celebrate her 100th birthday. For her 1st birthday her mother decorated her highchair with "smilox". I am trying to find out what plant this is. I have found "smilax" but it is a thorny plant not likely to be used on a child's chair. Do any of your experts know what I am looking for? Thank you,

ANSWER:

We think you are looking for Beetleweed or Galax (Galax urceolata).

Happy Birthday to your mother!
 

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