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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Search Smarty Plants
topic | question | |
Problems with transplanted Texas Madrones from Junction TX May 13, 2014 We planted 3 little Texas madrones last year 9 - 12 inches high. 2 of them seem to have some kind of black blight along the edges of the leaves that I don't think was the result of our late freezes. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propagation of endangered plant Texas trailing phlox from Carrollton TX December 26, 2013 1. How many seeds does the Texas trailing phlox produce per season? 2. Can the seeds be taken from a living plant without hurting it? Thank You! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Starting Venus Flytrap From Seed September 05, 2013 I am a high school student doing a project on the Venus flytrap and would like you to help me by answering the following questions: What are the Venus flytrap predators and prey? How to raise a Venus ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Interesting native orchids in MS. August 21, 2012 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, ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Sycamore leaf snowbell from Pleasanton TX August 18, 2012 How do you care for a sycamore leaf snowbell. Does it like sun or part shade? How much water? How often and what should it be fed. How fast or slowly does it grow? Anything you can tell me would be ap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propogating snowbells from Elmendorf TX June 06, 2012 Is it possible to propagate Styrax platanifolius and Halesia diptera from cuttings? If yes, what is the process? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Restoring the woods in Central Austin. May 08, 2012 I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
SITES (or CITES) accredited source for native orchids January 03, 2012 Do you know of a nursery which is SITES accredited which offer North American native orchids? I grow as a hobby indoor ones as well as keep my eyes out protecting the outside native ones we have: Spir... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Information on orchid Spiranthes odorata from Golden MS December 06, 2011 I live in N.W. MS and am fortunate enough to receive 'Wildflower'. Even though it's geared to TX I was wondering if you can provide me information on the Spiranthes odorata that sprang up in my yar... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Looking for crowsfoot and standing spruce for Christmas wreaths in Maryland November 15, 2011 Hi, When I was a young child, my family would go out in the fall to pick two different plants for making Christmas wreaths. I recently found them on the farm across the street and want to make wreaths... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Growing Conditions for Yucca cernua October 22, 2011 Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua: I bought many lovely plants at the Wildflower Center sale on Friday, among them, a Nodding Yucca or Yucca cernua. 24 of the 25 plants I bought are already in the grou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Information on what Texas wildflowers are disappearing August 02, 2011 I was shocked to find that Texas Bluebells were vanishing. What other Texas wildflowers are vanishing? There is an endangered species list but I want to help before my wildflower neighbors before t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Texas madrone trimmings for a wedding July 26, 2011 Looking for Texas madrone tree trimmings needed for a special wedding. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Wide appearance of Texas Bluebells in Hillsboro TX July 07, 2011 I thought Texas Bluebells were rare, endangered and liked wet places. So why, after at least a dozen years of not seeing any and during this horrible drought am I seeing them where I have never seen t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Looking for Texas endangered trees to plant May 14, 2011 I have 2 acres of good soil that does not have any trees. I would love to give life to native Texas endangered trees but I can not purchase them anywhere. Do you have any suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplanting trilliums April 28, 2010 What's the best time to transplant white trillium on my property on the shore of Lake Michigan? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is crow's foot endangered from Delta PA November 29, 2009 I, too, used crows foot in Christmas Wreaths. I have recently heard that is endangered and you could be fined picking it and using it. Wondering if this is a true statement. There is still lots in ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How rare is the Devil's Cigar Fungus (Chorioactis geaster)? November 08, 2009 I have found a fungus called devil's cigar in the woods behind my house in Westlake Hills Texas. I read that it is rare. Is it considered rare even to Central Texas? If so, do I need to let someone k... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Location of Agalinis acuta, sandplain gerardia. September 12, 2009 Where can the sandplain gerardia be found? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Conservation status of Lathyrus venosus (Veiny pea) May 30, 2009 The Wild Pea (Lathyrus Venosus Muhl) 1) What's being done to preserve them 2) When were they placed on the endangered species list 3) How many are left View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Storm damage to native sweet bay magnolias in Kentucky February 04, 2009 Can you please share information on storm damage to sweet bay magnolias; if the top is broken off can the tree maintain its natural shape or will the sides begin to grow more than the top; i.e., growt... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How to plant a gooseberry bush November 22, 2008 Please, if somebody can help, I need to know how to plant the gooseberry bush. Thanks, View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Information about pink milkwort (Polygala incarnata) June 07, 2008 Why is the pink Milkwort (Polygala incarnata) and what is it's niche? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Entities adopting threatened species as symbol May 13, 2008 Please could you tell me about any nations, cities, towns or villages which have adopted a threatened species as their flagship or totem, and are attempting to save it? I am drawing up a list of such... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for Pflugerville, TX in blackland soil March 21, 2008 Mr. S-P, I'm perusing the plant sale list for a couple of tall shrubs to plant on the sunny southwest side of my house, in Blackland soil. It is generally dry there because of the sun, but can ge... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |