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 | |
Young huisache trees dying October 02, 2015 We have had several young huisache trees suddenly die. These trees are only three or four years old and were apparently healthy when they just died. They are growing by the curb on a city street and w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling Cocculus carolinus vines August 04, 2015 I live in Oklahoma City and want to rid my yard and flowerbeds of Cocculus Carolinus vines, I already have a infestation, I cant count the number of vines that were already established before I found ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Why is my Texas mountain laurel growing so slowly? July 22, 2015 I have a Mountain Laurel, Anacacho Orchid Tree and Desert Willow on the northern side of our yard - all three get full sun most of the day. The Mountain Laurel is closer to the east side. The other... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting Rid of Firecracker Flower July 16, 2015 We live in the Tampa area of Florida. We planted Russelia equisetiformis under some palm trees 10 years ago. It has grown deep among the palm tree roots. We want to kill the Russelia without harming ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Dead, brown Habiturf lawn July 07, 2015 I planted Habiturf seeds last fall and had a good lawn all winter. Now the grass is brown and dead. Did it drown with all the rain we have had? If so, what should I do now? If not, what should I do... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Protecting storm-damaged pecan and black walnut trees in TX June 29, 2015 Several trees on our property in northeast Texas were uprooted by a tornado. A pecan tree with a circumference greater than 93 inches was carried to the ground. Although it is completely horizontal,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Source of dry molasses near Mason, Texas June 21, 2015 Can you guys point me to a local source of dry molasses? I can get 50 lb bags from Amazon but shipping cost is almost double the cost of the product. I want to try it as a supplement to mechanical con... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will Crossvine damage stucco walls? June 17, 2015 The Crossvine I planted about a month ago is doing well. It is growing up a stucco wall and its little tendrils are sticking to (or into?) the stucco. Is this going to grow into the stucco and damage ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How to Deal With Goutweed? June 12, 2015 Hi, I'm wondering what plants (groundcover) would best compete against goutweed. It's coming up all around some existing potentilla shrubs and some nice bulbs and prairie perennials. I would hate to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling Devil's Bit in Collin County, TX June 05, 2015 I live in Collin County and our pasture has a growing section of Devils Bit taking over everything. I've been using 2,4-D on it with some success. What is the best method of control for this ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |