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.
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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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Monday - July 17, 2006
From: Brackettville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Moisture as trigger for Cenizo bloom
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Does the cenizo bloom because it has had water on its leaves and stems?ANSWER:
Cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens) does bloom in response to rain. According to Sally and Andy Wasowski in Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region By Region, cenizo has its major bloom in the fall but will also respond to spring and summer rains by blooming. Uptake by the roots of the rainwater is more likely the trigger for blooming than the rain falling on leaves and stems.
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