Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - September 13, 2008
From: Bastrop, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Information about giant yellow and black wasps
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Regarding a previous question submitted by a person asking about the giant yellow and black wasps..It's a Cicada Killer.I used to see them all the time when I was a kid in Victoria, Tx..But I haven't seen one in 20 yrs.. They're huge..ANSWER:
Thanks very much for the information about the giant yellow and black wasps from a previous question. The cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) would certainly appear to be the likely suspect. Mr. SP will be sure the person who asked to original question gets this information.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Browning leaves on Ilex vomitoria in Houston
July 02, 2009 - Houston, we have a problem!!! I have a number of yaupon bushes that have been in my yard for years that have a large number of leaves turning a solid dark brown color. Any ideas of the cause?
view the full question and answer
Powdery Mildew on Monterrey Oak
July 30, 2015 - Monterrey oak developing gray-white patches on some but not all leaves leading to wilting. could this be powdery mildew?
Tree not stressed. Thanks. Best treatment?
view the full question and answer
Why are my lemon Cyprees trees turning Black?
April 01, 2010 - I have 3 lemon Cypress plants - all are about 6 feet tall. One of them has started turning black on one side - like it's been burnt. The inside of the plant is also turning black. I assume something ...
view the full question and answer
Yellowing of fronds on Sago Palm
March 27, 2007 - Our Sago Palm now has all yellow fronds from the Winter frosts.
Should they be cut off? Will the plant grow new fronds from the bottom to replace the ugly looking ones that are there? And why do I se...
view the full question and answer
Oak root resistant hedge for Southern California
December 28, 2013 - I live in Southern California and my cypress hedge has oak root fungus. What kind of hedge can I plant that will grow fast and be resistant to the fungus?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |