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 | |
Smoky Mountains Shaded Slope Plant Suggestions April 29, 2013 We live in a very shady spot in Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. We would like to plant vegetation on a sloped area behind our cottage to stop erosion after building an addition. Our h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Yellowing fern houseplants from Lancaster PA April 10, 2013 I have fern houseplants about 9 to 12 months old and they are turning yellow. I don't overwater and they get good light. They are growing well but I don't understand the yellowing and falling off! ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to grow in shady sand in Florida March 31, 2013 We live in central Florida (directly between Orlando and Tampa). Our yard is mostly sand for soil and difficult parts in shade almost all day from large trees. What ground cover (grass) and hedges can... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to grow in shady area near a pecan tree in Maryland March 26, 2013 I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I have planted only natives in my front lawn. My backyard, which sports a pecan tree, fir, fig tree, and others I can't identify is dirt, just dirt. I have... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native container plants from Hillsdale NJ March 22, 2013 Looking for suggestions for the easiest natives to grow in containers. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Plants for Shaded North Slope in Ohio January 03, 2013 I have a shaded north hillside which needs erosion control plants. Mostly moss and very thin grass grows there now. Please help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Source for ground pine plants from Ligonier PA December 21, 2012 Where can I purchase "ground pine plants? I want to use them for erosion control. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA December 06, 2012 Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Crows foot plant for Christmas wreaths from Millsboro DE November 04, 2012 I am looking for a plant called crows foot to make wreaths for Christmas. Where do I find this plant. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for streambank area in Oregon September 14, 2012 I am ready to replant a streambank area with native plants..what do you recommend for the Willamette Valley in Oregon? Thanks much! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
topic | question |