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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.

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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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Friday - July 20, 2012

From: Cleveland Heights, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Is Gooseneck native from Cleveland Heights OH
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I live in Cleveland Heights, OH, and have an abundance of gooseneck in my yard. Is it a native plant? Thank you!

ANSWER:

According to this article from the University of Arkansas, Lysimachia clethroides (Gooseneck Loosestrife) is native to China and Japan, and therefore non-native, as well as being invasive. Please also read this Dave's Garden forum on the plant, especially the 17 negative comments.

 

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