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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Friday - April 26, 2013

From: The Woodlands, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Pests, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Dog-proof grass from The Woodlands TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I am looking for a hardy grass that can tolerate female dogs urine. Zoysia was suggested but I am concerned about it being invasive. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Zoysia is a warm-season grass native to China and Japan which can grow in some shade but does not always perform well there. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is committed to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants are being grown; in your case, Montgomery County, TX. Here is an article from eHow Home on Problems with Zoysia Grass and a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on the same subject.