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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Fall Wildflowers for Helotes, TX October 20, 2014 Dear Smarty, Could you please suggest a few colorful wildflowers for a sunny area. I live north of San Antonio, TX and would like to plant some flowers in October but I want something that has been ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How to germinate seed for Styrax grandifolius October 18, 2014 How do I germinate seed for the Styrax grandifolius? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Storing Rudbeckia Hirta Seed October 10, 2014 I just bought and planted your Rudbeckia hirta seed. I have a lot leftover. Can I store it until spring or better yet, next fall? If so, how? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Silphium Perfoliatum Seeds October 06, 2014 I am trying to identify which part of the seedhead is the actual seed of the cup plant, Silphium perfoliatum. It is hard to find images. Some show the outer, larger, flat part of the seedhead which ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When is best time to plant seeds of Texas Nightshade in San Antonio, TX? September 20, 2014 I need to know the time to plant seeds of Texas Nightshade. Can I plant them now ( August ), or wait till fall or spring? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When to Collect Rudbeckia triloba Seed? September 13, 2014 How soon after flowering may I cut Rudbeckia triloba flower heads to save seeds? Do cones need to be attached to the plant in or out of the ground to continue to mature? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowering ofPluchea odorata in Houston, TX August 13, 2014 I sprouted Pluchea odorata seeds this spring, but the plants seem too small to bloom this year. Although your website characterizes this plant as an annual, do you think it will survive the Houston wi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
When does Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss) go to seed in southern US? August 06, 2014 When does Bouteloua dactyloides go to seed in the southern United States, mainly Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Looking for seeds for Carex texensis and Horse Herb July 27, 2014 I am looking for either plants or seeds of Carex texensis and horseherb with no success. I live in the Albuquerque,NM mountain region (at ~6800ft, zone 6). I need something that is very dought resis... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grasses for organic farm in Elgin TX July 22, 2014 Hi there, I am working to restore native grasses on our certified organic farm in Elgin, TX. We raise eggs, grass fed beef, and grass fed lamb. I am having a terrible time finding organic pastur... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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