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

Tuesday - August 21, 2012

From: Golden, , MS
Region: Southeast
Topic: Rare or Endangered Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Interesting native orchids in MS.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have a stand of 18 Cyp. parviflorum orchids which I tell only few people about. I've been an hobby grower for over 15 yrs. Recently, I noticed I has some Spiranthes growing which thrilled me. Now, I'm off nearby to see some Plantanther (sp) about which I'm thrilled. I'm so afraid of people stealing them and loss of habitat. Might you get back to me on this please.

ANSWER:

Thank you for contacting Mr. Smarty Plants about your orchids. We too are concerned about rare plants and loss of habitat

“Ask Mr. Smarty Plants” is a service provided by the Ladybird Johnson Wild Flower Center that answers questions by gardeners and landscapers with the goal of increasing the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
However, we are not a forum or a blog.

 

From the Image Gallery


Nodding ladies'-tresses
Spiranthes cernua

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

It's so hot, even the Salvia greggii are sad, in Bulverde Texas
July 28, 2011 - I have several Salvia greggii in large terra cotta pots. The leaves have developed a yellowish tint and are thinning. What is the best process to get them back to full green foilage?
view the full question and answer

Source of Berlandiera pumila seeds from Coral Gables FL
June 07, 2012 - Where can I buy plants or seeds of Berlandiera pumila?
view the full question and answer

Plants for the north side of the house in Norborne MO
September 30, 2009 - What perennials, plants, flowers, are best suited for north side of house?
view the full question and answer

Perennial Suggestions for Under Ash Trees in Minnesota
June 12, 2013 - With our house we have inherited 2 ash trees in our front yard with a large amount landscaping underneath. I'm replacing the landscaping but there are tree roots at the surface preventing me from bei...
view the full question and answer

Foundation garden in shade in Durham, NC
April 29, 2009 - I'm trying to replant a 3'x8' garden near the foundation of our house in Durham, NC. This part of the yard gets little, if any, sun and is mostly clay. I've tried adding compost and soil conditi...
view the full question and answer

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