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.

rate this answer

Friday - July 06, 2012
From: SUNRISE, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Poisonous Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Dwarf oyster plant dying in Sunrise FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
WHAT WOULD BE KILLING MY DWARF OYSTER PLANTSANSWER:
From a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer, here is the scientific name of this plant, Tradescantia spathacea. It will not be in our Native Plant Database because it is native to Mexico, the West Indies and Central America.
Perhaps you should be grateful to whatever it is. (Herbicides sprayed in the neighborhood?) We could find no information on killing Tradescantia spathacea or reviving it, but lots of information on the severe allergic reactions of people and dogs to some toxic substance exuded by it. See this Floridata website on Dwarf Oyster Plant.
Perhaps the best website for you to read is the forum Dave's Garden. Please read the 8 negative comments on the plant.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Removing nut grass and wild strawberry in Vienna VA
June 13, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Pants,
How do I get rid of wild strawberry plants and nut grass in my large garden bed?
I have rosemary and thyme already there and don't want to use a harmful pesticide (kids and pets...
view the full question and answer
How Can I Tell an Invasive Thistle from a Native
May 01, 2012 - Mr Smarty Plants,
I have some thistles coming up in my yard. I'd like to keep them if they are native, but not if they are invasive or non-native. How can I tell? My yard is a wild area in West Lak...
view the full question and answer
Growing kudzu in Las Vegas NV
April 18, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have a question about a known invasive species that I know you advise against, but I feel my situation may be different enough that it's worth asking about. Yes, I'm talk...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native, invasive Japanese Privet from Peoria AZ
July 31, 2013 - I have Japanese Privit bushes. one out of 6 has started to grow very small leaves and does not look healthy. Moon Valley told me shortage of zinc, but that has not helped in 3 months.
What can I ...
view the full question and answer
Do white-tailed deer consume King Ranch bluestem?
October 25, 2013 - Will white-tail deer in central Texas consume King Ranch bluestem ?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |