Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Wildflowers
Title: More on bluebonnets
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
There is not a more effective method of depleting the population of the clover other than by hand removal. This clover, depending on the species, might be an annual, and with diligence, can be eliminated or reduced over a period of years by making sure it does not go to seed and by hand removal as it emerges. Bluebonnets are annuals as well, and letting these plants go to seed will enhance the chances for a future robust population. There might be specific herbicides that you can utilize to reduce these populations more immediately, but you will affect other plants than the target population you are trying to control. Consider long-term when utilizing any herbicide in your landscape.
Management practices to eradicate Johnson grass
September 02, 2006 - Please suggest some eradication methods for Johnson grass. It is established in a field that I want to encourage native wildflowers/plants such as goldenrod, prairie coneflower, blue eyed grass, milkw...
view the full question and answer
Elimination of Whitemouth dayflower in Dothan AL
March 18, 2009 - I am infested with Widow's Tears in my yard. I would like to get rid of them. Can you tell me how?
view the full question and answer
Eliminating non-native invasive bermuda grass in Morgan's Point TX
April 25, 2010 - We are trying to establish a wildflower meadow, but are having trouble with the neighbor's invasive bermudagrass taking over..what can be done to eliminate the bermuda?
view the full question and answer
Source of Allergies in Austin, TX
June 19, 2012 - Hi, Mr. Smarty Plants.
I live in Northwest Austin and I've been suffering from allergies since moving to Austin. The allergies seem to occur at least once a year for at least a month or two. Beg...
view the full question and answer
removing paper mulberry shoots from lawn
August 09, 2011 - Dear Mr./Ms. Smartypants,
I recently moved into an Austin home with the backyard taken over by paper mulberries. There were originally 2-3 large bush/trees, but now that I've removed them I realiz...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |