Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - June 16, 2006

From: Mescalero, NM
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Epiphyte growing on oak trees in Wildflower Center
Answered by: Dean Garrett

QUESTION:

Thank you for your response to my question on what is the epiphyte growing on oak trees. I should have been more specific to say " the epiphyte growing on the oak trees around Lady Bird Johnson wildflower center." It does not look at all like Spanish moss, or the other Tillandsia spp. mentioned in your email.

ANSWER:

Well, I did neglect to mention a less conspicuous epiphyte that grows on local oaks and other trees: a local species of mistletoe (Phoradendron tomentosum), also referred to as injerto. So many people ask about the ball moss that I rashly assumed that's what you were referring to, too. Could Phoradendron tomentosum be the epiphyte you saw?
 

More Wildflower Center Questions

Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas.
December 04, 2011 - I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
view the full question and answer

Flowers at the Wildflower Center
September 09, 2010 - What common wildflowers are in the Wildflower Center?
view the full question and answer

Native plant education
February 18, 2003 - Do you provide resources about native plants to middle school educators?
view the full question and answer

What are those bushes with purple flowers around the Wildflower Center?
March 09, 2009 - Hello! We were just at the Wildflower Center earlier this week (March 1 or so, 2009), and there were several large bushes with purple flowers on them. The very helpful docent told me what they wer...
view the full question and answer

Ways to learn more about native plants of region
March 20, 2004 - How can I learn more about the native plants of my region?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.