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)
Wednesday - April 02, 2008
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native, invasive Rapistrum rugosum
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
What is the name of the alien, spindly, yellow mustard that we see blooming around Austin now ? Is it Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale) ?ANSWER:
We believe the one you are referring to, which is indeed in bloom all over Austin right now, is Rapistrum rugosum, Bastard-Cabbage. It is native to Central Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. The website we have linked you to is the Plant Conservation Alliance Least Wanted List. You can compare it with this picture and descriptive article about Sisymbrium officinale, Hedge mustard.
More Non-Natives Questions
How many Bamboo species are native to North Carolina? one
March 27, 2014 - I would like to know how many bamboo plants are native to North Carolina?
view the full question and answer
Why is my Weeping Fig crying leaves?
July 27, 2009 - I have a weeping fig that I bought Memorial day in Birmingham, Al. It has 8 or 9 trunks growing altogether. It sits on a porch with eastern exposure, only about 2 hours of sun. It has been losing l...
view the full question and answer
Deadheading a petunia and why
July 13, 2008 - Can you please tell me the correct way to de-head a petunia and why?
view the full question and answer
Legal to kill non-native invasive fig ivy in Carmichael CA
September 05, 2010 - Is it legal to spray round-up on invasive fig ivy from my neighbor's yard? Will we be responsible for killing his plant? He refuses to install a barrier between us or discuss a remedy.
view the full question and answer
Information on care and transplant of non-native Bamboo in North Carolina
April 15, 2006 - I am considering transplanting some bamboo from my backyard to my side yard in Northern Randolph County,
Central Piedmont, North Carolina. Could you offer me any pointers on a direct ground to gro...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |