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.
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Thursday - April 06, 2006
From: Mescalero, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Ball moss (Tallandsia recurvata), epiphyte on oaks at Wildflower Center
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
I visited your center a couple weeks ago, was very impressed with the educational aspects. I noticed the epiphyte commonly growing in the oak trees, and also on the elm oak. Do you have the name of this plant?ANSWER:
Yes, the epiphyte is not truly a moss even though it is called Ball Moss (Tillandsia recurvata). It is a close cousin to Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). You can find out more about this member of the pineapple family by clicking here.More Wildflower Center Questions
Living lightly on the land
November 21, 2008 - Are most of the materials used in the Center recyclable materials? For instance, the wood floors and HVAC systems?
Thanks, Joel Rodriguez
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Is installing irrigation with Habiturf a good idea in Round Rock Texas?
December 05, 2011 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am in the process of planning a new lawn in my front yard. We have decided to plant the Habiturf seed mix (thank you, by the way). Originally, we planned on installing a spri...
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Location of Elbow Bush and Gregg's Saddlebush at the Wildflower Center
March 10, 2016 - I have twice looked for Forestiera pubescens (Elbow Plant) and Mortonia greggi (Gregg's Saddlebush) in your gardens and have been unable to find. I have looked on the trails as well. Would you be a...
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Ways to learn more about native plants of region
March 20, 2004 - How can I learn more about the native plants of my region?
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Color of Englemann's daisy (Engelmannia peristenia)
April 11, 2010 - I'm in Austin and just bought some Engelmann's Daisies at the plant sale on Fri. The picture had them with white petals, and your plant database has them with yellow petals. I specifically wanted wh...
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