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 - 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.
Since we are therefore not experts on Zoysia grass, we will instead address your question in terms of grasses and/or plants in general. Not being a dog owner, this particular Smarty Plants Team member will have to go back to the Internet. From Texas A & M Horticulture Aggie Archives "Dog-On It" Lawn Problems. Our take on this article is that the dog needs a new bathroom. Again, out of Mr. Smarty Plants' expertise.
More Non-Natives Questions
Planting Canary Island Date Palm in Austin, Texas
July 07, 2016 - I want to plant a Phoenix canariensis on the south side of my property in West Austin, in a sheltered location. We are on very shallow soil - on top of limestone. Does the plant have any chance of sur...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native St. Augustine grass in Spring TX
July 09, 2009 - St. Augustine. It's July 6th, 3 weeks ago my grass was green and healthy, today I've got large patches (20' x 3') that are dying. I water my yard 10 mins / day in the morning (5:00 am). It's been...
view the full question and answer
Non-native upside down tomatoes in Edmonton AB
September 19, 2010 - Due to early frost, I have brought my upside down tomato plant into the house & have hung it in the basement. What type of grow lamp can I use? I just have the overhead light & standard lamps at my di...
view the full question and answer
Non-native poinsettia care
October 07, 2007 - I have a poinsettia that I have nursed from last Christmas. It is in big pot and looks really good. I'm trying to make it bloom. I have it out front with a sw exposure. I'm afraid of too much sun...
view the full question and answer
Will drought-stricken non-native St. Augustine come back in Cedar Park TX
January 30, 2010 - I recently bought a new house but the grass in the yard looked completely dead (bought house in Nov) even though the neighbor's grass was still green. The previous owner stopped watering the grass (e...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |