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.
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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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Plant Identification August 07, 2015 I live in southeastern Michigan. I found a plant growing in the backyard that caught my eye. I chalked it off as a weed, but it's unique. It is shaped like a bushing type plant, has red stem, each cl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Does Virginia creeper cause a rash? July 09, 2015 Does Virginia creeper cause a rash to everyone or those who are only allergic as in an allergy like a peanut allergy? Is it something that should be avoided like poison ivy? And does the sap stick to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Discouraging Poison Ivy June 27, 2015 Is there a fern that discourages poison ivy from growing? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Texas mountain laurel honey toxic? May 25, 2015 I have been told that honey produced from the flowers of my Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) would not be safe to consume. Is this correct? The only information I have been able to find is... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fruit and nut trees safe for horses. May 11, 2015 My husband and I just moved to Elgin. We have always wanted to grow fruit/nut baring trees but didn't take in to consideration that horses might eat them. We have never had land or horses before, s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of potentially toxic weed in California May 08, 2015 Hi! Sorry about the error, I'm not very computer savvy! I have a weed that grows on my land; about 1 foot tall its flower looks like a Q-tip. My neighbor says it killed her horse! I can't find i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will Hellebores planted in the soil near vegetables transfer poisons to them? April 29, 2015 I just planted helleborus in my garden and have now read that they are toxic. They are planted near vegetable plants, will they affect the vegetables and leave them inedible? Also, are they toxic to d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Vines for a backyard pergola not toxic to dogs and cats April 26, 2015 We have just built a pergola in out backyard and are wanting a vine to grow up and around the posts. We have 3 dogs and also have a cat that loves to go outside. We are really looking for something th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Thyme Toxic to Cats? April 15, 2015 Is 'Pink Chintz' thyme, the ground cover, toxic to cats? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Non Toxic Fruit Plants April 03, 2015 I am trying to plant on my backyard. My dog spends about 8 hours a day outdoors and I am afraid she will be poisoned. I am overwhelmed by the information of toxic trees\plants for dogs. However, I ju... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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