Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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 - July 28, 2005

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Smarty Plants on wild edible plants
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Do you have classes or information on identifying wild edible plants that could be found in Texas?

ANSWER:

The most recent book available is "Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest" by Delena Tull (1999) is available from the University of Texas Press. It can be ordered from UT Press or might be available, or could be ordered, from a local book store. It has photos, drawings, descriptions, recipes and more. Here is one review. You can find a bibliography that includes older books about edible plants in our Native Plant Bibliiography.
 

More Edible Plants Questions

Plant identification in Georgia
September 14, 2011 - I saw the same question that I was going to ask about the plant that folds its leaves at dusk, with sparse branches, rapid growth, small yellow flowers and long (whisker-like, but do not appear to be ...
view the full question and answer

Is horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) edible?
April 09, 2008 - Hello, I find horse-herb everywhere. Is it edible, too? Thanks!
view the full question and answer

Blossom end rot on non-native tomatoes from Newport RI
April 25, 2014 - Can epsom salt or eggshells end blossom end rot on tomatoes?
view the full question and answer

Lindheimer's Muhly Grass Seeds for Human Use?
July 07, 2016 - Does anyone know if Lindheimer's Muhly seeds were ever used as human food source?
view the full question and answer

Native Fruits for Texas Hill Country
March 31, 2009 - Can you recommend a species of blackberry for San Antonio or any other fruit that will be compatible in my garden? (mostly Hill Country Native, thanks to Ladybird). The local store has raspberries, bu...
view the full question and answer

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