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.

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

Saturday - April 21, 2012

From: Royse City, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Laws, Wildflowers
Title: Legal to mow wildflowers in HOA in Royse City, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We live out in the country in Rockwall County, Texas. Is it legal to mow the wildflowers on our 2 acre lots? The HOA documents we committed to require the homesites to be maintained, but there is disagreement if wildflowers (non-Blubonnets)are protected or not. Please help us. Thank you!

ANSWER:

We can safely tell you we know of no state laws that mandate mowing or not mowing wildflowers. On the other hand, as you say, you have committed to following the HOA rules. If there are no legal restrictions one way or the other, you are probably stuck with mowing when the HOA says to. Your best bet is to contact the managing group of the HOA and raise the question, based on the fact that preservation of native wildflowers is very important, and avoiding mowing until seeds have dropped will permit the continuation of those wildflowers.