Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - April 24, 2014

From: Honolulu, HI
Region: Other
Topic: Non-Natives, Plant Identification
Title: Plant Identification from Honolulu HI
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

We have a ground cover in our Honolulu garden that I have been told is Watermelon Plant. (Not the fruit). We would like more, but cannot find it or the proper name for it. Aprox. 6" round leaf. It does not spread. Can you tell me the proper name and where I might buy more? How can I send a picture?

ANSWER:

While Hawaii is a state in the United States, it is not a garden in North America. It's really too bad, because you must have many truly lovely plants. The Lady Bird Johnson is committed to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America, but to the area in which the plant is being grown. We get so many, many questions from the designated native areas, our small band of volunteers simply has to limit what we can do. The same story with photographs, we are no longer set up to accept them. Please see our Plant Identification page for alternative suggestions.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Comments on previous answer on non-native invasives from Raleigh NC
March 27, 2014 - https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=7827 This answer is incorrect. Please have someone review it to remove the two invasive species you are encouraging people to plant by calling them nati...
view the full question and answer

Japanese lilac trees in Lehi UT
July 31, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, We live in Utah and this past spring planted three Japanese Lilac Trees in the lawn next to the deck hoping they would one day provide some shade. They are planted in full sun ...
view the full question and answer

Replacing St. Augustine grass from Dallas TX
April 10, 2014 - Dear Mr. Pants, we are replacing dying St. Augustine grass in a small, sunny back yard with ground cover. What are your recommendations for a drought-tolerant evergreen ground cover? We will till a...
view the full question and answer

Non-native invasive tungoil tree
July 21, 2006 - I believe I have a tungoil tree growing in my yard. How do I care for it and when would be the best time to move it. It is about 6 foot tall and has about 12 seed (fruit) on it. Thanks.
view the full question and answer

Is the non-native California pepper tree (Schinus molle) toxic for horses?
September 14, 2009 - Is it safe and a good idea to put a horse corral around an established California pepper tree? Thank you, Mr. Smarty Plants
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.