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 | |
Plants for a septic field on a steep slope in Austin April 09, 2010 My septic field is on a fairly steep slope and is overrun with bermuda grass, native grasses, vines, thistle and other vegetation. What types of wild flower seed can I use on it that will grow on a s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tree roots vs. leach field in Heber Springs AR February 03, 2010 We need shade in front of our west facing house; however, our septic system and leach field are there also. What kind of fast growing trees can we plant that won't ruin our septic system? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Raised beds over lateral lines in Solgohachia AR January 02, 2010 I would like to build raised flower beds over my lateral lines. They would be planted with strawberries and perennials. Will this cause any problems with the absorption into the ground or not lettin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants to replace St. Augustine over septic area November 02, 2009 Hi. We're new to Orlando, FL and need some help with plants that would be suitable to grow over our septic field. It's on the west side of the house, full sun. We live in a subdivision that r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for a septic system in Poland IN September 22, 2009 Hi, we have a septic system under a large front yard at a newly acquired lake cottage in southern Indiana. The yard is completely unlandscaped. I'm trying to find if there are are any safe trees I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native flowers for Door County, Wisconsin September 02, 2009 We recently were required to put in a new septic system on our vacation property in Door County, WI. This left us with a clearing on our wooded lot where the septic field is now located. The installer... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will a 10-ft. yaupon damage my septic lines in Texas Hill Country? July 18, 2009 A 10 foot yaupon is growing in my Texas hill country septic field. The field pipe is 5 feet below the surface. Should I be concerned about the roots invading the pipes? What would be the best way to r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Length of root systems for wildflowers over septic system March 29, 2009 Mr. Smarty Pants: I want to know the length of root systems for native Kansas wildflowers that will be planted on a Wisconsin mound septic system, which is a special septic system partially above grou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Texas mountain laurel roots and septic systems February 12, 2009 I want to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel tree in our RV Resort. The park must approve new plantings, and they are concerned about any root system that might endanger their septic systems or pipes. They... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grass for septic drainfield in Georgetown TX February 10, 2009 We recently had a new septic drainfield installed. It is raised approximately 2-3 ft above ground level. I would like to plant it with a native grass/grasses that would attract wildlife yet still be a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for septic system in Massachusetts February 04, 2009 What native plants can grow on a septic mound safely for the septic system? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants that will not clog lateral lines with roots January 25, 2009 We recently had to replace the lateral lines for our septic tank because wisteria roots had clogged the drainpipes. The machinery tore up our front and side yard,and we are trying to get them back int... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for septic fields in Austin November 10, 2008 We are building a house in Austin and the site requires a septic system. I need advice on how to landscape with native plants over the septic fields. The side yard and the front yard will contain the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for septic field April 10, 2008 We have a new Septic tank and field and I want to plant native seeds on the field instead of grass. Are there particular packages of seed that I can purchase or what else would you recommend? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Bouteloua dactyloides to cover septic field in Texas June 25, 2007 I need plants that can be seeded or plugged to cover a septic field at a new home on Lake Travis. What about turffalo? Other suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native groundcover plants for septic drain field July 02, 2004 I'd like to plant wildflowers over my newly installed septic drain field, but am told they should not have deep root systems. What would you suggest? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |