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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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Thursday - December 09, 2010

From: Heath (near Dallas), TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Sooty mold on Texas Sage in Heath TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have a Texas Sage that has developed a mildew, blight, fungus or (?) condition. Something has attacked the leaves with a black sooty condition. What is this and what can I do to help this plant thrive?

ANSWER:

We just recently received and answered another question on the same subject, but from Uvalde County, clear across the state from your area. This indicates to us this is not a unique situation. Because we are neither plant pathologists nor entomologists, we cannot pinpoint a precise cause. We suggest that you first follow the link above to read our previous answer, and then contact the TexaS A&M AgriLIfe Extension Office for either Rockwall or Kaufman County.
 

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