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 - December 05, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: User Comments
Title: Words of Appreciation
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
This is a word of sincere admiration and appreciation for the spectacular array of information you posted on liatris. I'm no botanist but a native plant gardener, fond of the beauty of orderly scientific knowledge. The depth of information you provided was amazing, especially in this world of short, dubiously correct data. Reading all that one of you wrote was as wonder-full as being midst native plants on a glorious day. I was there for the stamp unveiling and walked the grounds with pleasure, as ever. And of course I'm a member. Thanks again for your marvelous work of all of you in every way.ANSWER:
Thank you for your very kind words. Mr. Smarty Plants is actually blushing! We who are Mr. Smarty Plants and answer the questions get great satisfaction from doing so. Some of us have even said it is like an addiction—we can hardly wait to tackle the next question and get our "fix". For almost every question we answer we learn some new and fascinating information about plants. Your comments have inspired us even more. Thank you for your support!
More User Comments Questions
Question about Salvia coccinea photos in the Native Plant Database
June 29, 2009 - A search for Salvia coccinea in the database resulted in some of the pictures showing frostweed crystals ('am assuming that is an error), as well as some white and bicolor pastel pink & white blooms....
view the full question and answer
Why do we exclude Mexican plant species?
November 17, 2008 - Thanks for all your great help and your wonderful website. I have been wondering why you exclude Mexico from "North American" native plants? I live in Austin and it seems like the flora and fauna ...
view the full question and answer
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
July 02, 2014 - Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) is not a native U.S. plant. It was introduced to the U.S. from Europe and is now considered invasive in many parts of the western U.S. It invades our forested wild land...
view the full question and answer
You are welcome
May 25, 2013 - Dear Mills,
You are right. My elm has elm finger galls. Thank you
view the full question and answer
USDA hardiness Zones
May 10, 2009 - I love your site..I don't live in Texas and would like it very much if you would include the zone with plant listings. Thank you for all your hard work!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |