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.
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Wildflowers for floodplain near Denton, TX March 22, 2015 Hello, I am a member of my HOA board and am researching the possibility of filling in our floodplains with wildflowers. Currently the floodplains are grass only and span a few acres. Our goal is to t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Inquiry about the Arizona Cypress trees in the Family Garden March 20, 2015 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I recently visited The Wildflower Center and enjoyed seeing several features that were new since my last visit two years ago. In the Family Garden areas I saw several beautifu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Germination of seeds of Stephanomeria pauciflora (Brownplume wire lettuce) February 20, 2015 I have discovered a very fast growing Stephanomeria pauciflora on property where I work here in Terlingua, TX. At first glance it appears as an invasive weed but on closer inspection with my macro le... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Germinating Milkweed Seeds January 23, 2015 When is the best time to plant milkweed seeds outside? I was told when the overnight temperature hits 70 F. (our garden is in Lakeway, Texas). So around late May? Is this when the seeds germinate i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Annual Native Plants for Interplanting in Iowa January 20, 2015 I'm looking for suggestions for annuals that will flower from seed or from spring plants. I want to use them to fill in the space around newly planted coneflowers and asters that I fear will look spa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What to do about early seedlings January 16, 2015 Hello, Over the last few weeks I have noticed that all my naturally occurring poppies and delphiniums have started to sprout up around my yard. Hundreds of them! I imagine it's because of the ear... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What does the seed for Tiquilia greggii look like? December 01, 2014 What does the seed for Tiquilia greggii look like? Do you have a picture? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Planting a meadow garden in Pennsylvania November 16, 2014 I live in Saxonburg PA near Pittsburgh PA. I want to put a meadow garden in my back yard. We are building a home so there is no established yard yet just trees and weeds. Where do I start . What... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Starting Melochia Pyramidata from Seed November 06, 2014 Last year some Melochia pyramidata popped up in my yard all on its own. I was able to gather some (really neat looking) seed pods once they had dried out. I'm moving pretty soon and I'd like to grow... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need plants for a ecoregion prairie project in Cleburne, TX October 30, 2014 I have a ecoregion prairie project in which students are to plant from pots a small area so visitors might see what the seeded area will become. We are struggling to find potted plants. HELP View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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