Native Plants
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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.
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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Wednesday - April 30, 2008
From: Silsbee, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Information on non-native Erythrinia crista-galli
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I am trying to find out some more information on a plant called firemen caps.. How to grow and sun or shade or both..ANSWER:
The Erythrinia crista-galli, sometimes called the firemen's cap, is a native of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay and therefore, not in our Native Plant Database. However, we will refer you to this Wikipedia website on the plant, which should give you some of the information you are looking for. Also, here is a website from Dave's Garden with comments by other people who have grown the plant. And, finally, a page of Images of the plant.More Non-Natives Questions
Care for non-native Mexican ruellia in Monroe LA
October 27, 2009 - Dwarf Mexican Petunia
I have found information that late in the season, when growth becomes leggy, cut back plants by as much as a half to force a new spurt of growth.
Watch for tobacco bud wo...
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Most invasive, noxious plant in U.S. from New York City.
November 26, 2012 - I was wondering, what is the most invasive/ noxious plant in the U.S? Thanks in advance.
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Controlling Rapistrum rugosum (annual bastardcabbage)
March 09, 2012 - The invasive, Rapistrum rugosum, seems to be especially ubiquitous this year. I communicated with Dr. Mark Simmons a few years ago regarding his research, which indicated that over-sowing wit...
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Replacing non-native iceplant in El Cajon CA
June 11, 2010 - Help! We are clearing fungus dead iceplant on a massive steep bank. Should I avoid replacing it with more iceplant? Would myaporum prostrate be a better option? Fast growing, erosion resistant, zero m...
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Non-native Alocasia in Fayetteville, AR
January 11, 2010 - I am trying to find out information on a plant that I received as a gift called an Alocaiso Plant, It a green, large, shiny green leaf plant with cream colored veins. Very beautiful and I would think...
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