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| Native Plants | Plants for green roofs in Wayne County TN November 20, 2009 Are any of the plants recommended for green roofs more subject to fire during drought conditions? Our application will be on a rustic wood cabin, thus the importance of safety from fire. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Deer-Resistant Plants | Deer resistance of maple leaf viburnum in Austin November 20, 2009 Looking on the Texas Plant Information Database for Maple Leaf Viburnum, I don’t find any information about deer (whitetail or axis, southern edge of Edwards Plateau) resistance. Other sites give mixed messages. Can you advise? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Wildflowers | Will wildflowers still be blooming end of March from Austin November 20, 2009 Hi Mr Smarty Pants - A wildflower enthusiast from Rome Italy wants to schedule a special visit to Austin end March early April 2010. Can she be sure wildflowers will still be blooming then? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Will Cedar Elm seedlings resprout from the root? November 20, 2009 I have a number of cedar elm saplings coming up in a garden bed which I am planning on replanting. It is very difficult to remove the entire taproot below about 1.5 feet as I encounter rocks and heavy clay. What are the chances that these will resprout and come up through my new plants if I don't remove the entire root? Thanks, Ryan View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Disease | Problems with non-native nectarine in Gilbertsville PA November 20, 2009 I live in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have a mature nectarine tree maybe 14 years old. It has a greenish grey spotting on the trunk and branches, the fruit always turns into the brown mummies and for many years has had leaf curl. I used a product called Serenade biofungicide and this year there was no curl but all fruits were mummies. Is it worth trying to save this tree? What would help it if I prefer not to spray chemicals that would be toxic to birds, critters, water supply. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Locating a Western Soapberry Tree for Montezuma IN November 20, 2009 Hello, I hope you can help. We homeschool in Indiana (Dad is a native Texan, transplanted). We are looking for someone with a healthy, mature & fruiting Western Soapberry Tree..sapindus drumondii. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants | Control of invasive vine in North Carolina November 18, 2009 Hi, I live in Piedmont NC, have vines that twine around my shrubbery and are impossible to pull out of the ground w/o breaking because they are so thin/delicate. The leaves are maple-like (3 lobes), and in the summer berries appear and turn purple-black. In the fall the leaves turn yellow. When I pull the vines away from the shrubs, berries fly everywhere. The vines are multiplying each year. Help! Thanks so much. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Injury while pulling weeds in Chandler TX November 18, 2009 I stabbed my self this last weekend when pulling roots from a bed so i'm not sure what it was. At the time it was a sharp pain so I pulled off my glove to look at it,barely scratched the skin so on I went. Later that day and even now it feels like its bruised on the inside and as been red and swollen. How long should I just leave it alone and when should I become concerned? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Christmas decorations on a live oak in Montrose CA November 18, 2009 Is it OK to put Christmas lights and decorations on a live oak? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Deer-Resistant Plants | Deer-resistant groundcover for sunny hillside in California November 17, 2009 we are looking for a deer resistant, drought resistant ground cover that we can grow from seed. we have a large,partial sunny hillside, well drained,that is cover with oak leaves and pine needles..and weeds. any suggestions? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping | Evergreen groundcover in Louisiana November 17, 2009 I need a suggestion for an evergreen groundcover plant that can tolerate moist soil. I want something that is low maintenance to go around a pergola in my backyard that gets mostly full sun. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Care | Leaf loss on Cenizo in Bertram TX November 17, 2009 I need help with a purple sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) problem. Most of one of my plants started having paler, more greyish leaves, then the leaves began to fall off. It seemed to still look healthy at the tips and it still blooms, but now has very few leaves on most of that plant. Now my healthiest sage is starting the same thing. We have great drainage, do not overwater, and I see no clear evidence of insects or scale. I have photos I could send if needed. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping | Evergreen shrubs for urns at entryway in Midland, Texas November 16, 2009 I am looking for plants for large urns at my entry .. prefer something evergreen. The urns are about 3' tall with an opening of 10-12" .. also prefer a plant that is not too bushy or whose roots will not become matted. Thanks for any help ..... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Wildlife Gardening | Drought tolerant plants for butterflies and hummingbirds November 16, 2009 I have about 150 sq ft of space in our backyard (urban OKC residence) that gets direct sun in the morning but is 100% shaded by 11-Noon from 2 large Sycamore trees. The space is on the west side of the yard and also shaded after noon by a 7 foot fence. Would like to fill this area with a (wide?) variety of native and drought resistance flowers/shrubs attractive to humming birds and butterflies, and with a large range of color and blooming times. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Small tree for yard in Columbia TN November 16, 2009 I have a somewhat small yard but the construction workers put a water and sewer drain in the middle of my yard. The sewer main is located on the far side of my property my width of yard is 60 feet width from street to house is 27 feet. I want a low root system tree to plant. I don't want a big tree(over 30ft). What type of tree should I get? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Why so many acorns in Houston? November 16, 2009 My son's home in Houston has a Live Oak. This year it has dropped MILLIONs of the seed pods. This hasn't happened in the nine years of living there. Is anything wrong with it? It looks OK but he has raked up bags of them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Care | Trimming of turkscap November 16, 2009 I have a Mexican Turk's cap, it is in its second year of growth and is doing well. However, I feel a need to prune it? do I need to? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping | Xeric landscaping walls in Mansfield TX November 15, 2009 We have two stone, concave 10 ft. high entry walls to our private street. These are each 20 ft. in length and face the west. What xeriscaping accent plants would you recommend. Also, should we create a bed, or can we make berms covered with grass. We do not have weeding maintenance or watering ability. The soil is sandy loam with a clay subsoil. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping | Wax myrtle or cherry laurel in Austin? November 15, 2009 For a very shady area under a large old oak tree with oak toxic soil, would a Wax Myrtle or a Cherry Laurel (caroliniana) be better? Looking for an evergreen screening tree up to 20ft, but it only gets about 2 hours of morning sun in the summer, and dappled sun during the winter. Thank you so much! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants, Native Plants, Plant Care | Information on various plants from Alamo TX November 15, 2009 Have you heard of the following plants: Butterfly Iris,Compact Nanpina, Red Dawrf Turks I would like to know some details on the above plant: size, flowers?, draught tolerant, where to plant Thanking you in advance for whatever information you can give me. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Spots on leaves of sevenleaf creeper in Austin November 14, 2009 Have 3 seven leaf creepers that are planted in mostly shade. In Sept & Oct 2009 all 3 plants had dried up leaves which fell off; however, all three plants grew new leaves when we got rain and are coming back well. One plant, which gets more shade that the others, has leaves that have turned a paler green with some whitish brown spots. What is this and how do I treat it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Trees | Plant spacing of Cenizo in Bulverde TX November 14, 2009 How far apart should Texas sage be planted? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Propagation | Few seeds from turkscap in Seguin, TX November 14, 2009 I have several Turk's cap plants but most do not produce seed. Any ideas? They have been in place 5 plus years. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | What is the weed of Cortez from Shreveport, LA November 13, 2009 I am trying to locate the weed of Cortez. I live in northern Louisiana. Can you please let me know if you have ever heard of this? I was told that is a very rare large red flower that blooms in the spring. Also, can you let me know if there is another name for the weed or flower? Thank you for your time. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Pruning Texas Mountain Laurel November 12, 2009 How much can I prune a 10 year old mountain laurel to re-shape it and when? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | |
| Native Grasses | Clearing up the nativity of so-called Baltimore sedge (Carex senta) November 12, 2009 Dear Smarty Pants: Hi, did you ever get more clarity on the Carex senta issue (baltimore sedge)? Whether or not it was a wetland grass? I too am in Maryland and was thinking of planting it for a lawn, but not if it's only native way out west. If you have any other recommendation for a shade-loving native for a lawn, that would be wonderful. thanks in advance. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Plant identification in Andover MA November 12, 2009 I live in MA. I have found a tree that produces an avocado like fruit with a round grooved pit. There are several of these trees in the fields where I walk and the ground is littered with these fruits. Can you tell me what they are? Unfortunately there is no foliage left on the trees to help with the id. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Trees | Where to plant the Texas Olive tree? November 11, 2009 I need to know where to plant the Texas Olive Tree, and what kind of care is required, such as watering, pruning, fertilization. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Possibility of Colorado Blue Spruce tree in Boerne TX November 11, 2009 Is it possible to plant Colorado Blue Spruce trees in the Boerne, Texas area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Planting a tulip poplar in Virginia Beach VA November 10, 2009 Hi. I would like to plant a Yellow Poplar, 'Tulip Tree' in my front yard. I will not be able to plant this tree until after November 15th. The tree will receive direct sun and will be exposed to heat from the pavement in the cul-de-sac we live in. Will I have problems this time of year? Should I wait until spring? Thank you for your help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses | Carex as a shady turf alternative in Austin November 10, 2009 I just read your answer to Barbara Medford's question about what multi-species native grasses would work to create a shady lawn. While you had some wonderful suggestions you mention a homeowner's associations might not take kindly to them. I would like to recommend to the both of you to try different species of native sedge. When I lived in Austin I used Carex retroflexa from a local nursery under my live oak. It was evergreen & I found it was best to trim the areas that received foot traffic once a year (just as they were setting seed). View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Failure to thrive of newly planted magnolia in Irving TX November 10, 2009 I planted four Little Gem Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) in my back yard during first week of October 2009. One of them seem to be dying because its leaves have turned very brown and the leaves are curling inwards. These are planted in ZIP 75062 which falls under zone 7b. Could you please help me save this shrub? Of late there was surplus rain. The soil is just moist and not water logged. Same soil condition with other magnolias. Please help. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | The perfect tree for San Rafael CA November 10, 2009 Want to plant a tree that is slow growing and has shallow root system that won't lift the concrete, that does not shed, and is green throughout the year. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Plant for science experiment from Kentfield CA November 10, 2009 What is a fast growing plant I should use for a science experiment? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Tree purchased at LBJWC plant sale from Austin November 10, 2009 I bought a tree at the 2008 LBJ Wildflower plant sale, it is growing great. I would like to plant it in the proper location/soil but lost the name tag and can't identify it. It has very fine leaves, has stickers and grown in several directions, not normal branches. Maybe you can identify it or I can send a pic. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants, Wildlife Gardening | Latin name for botany mist in McAllen TX November 10, 2009 What is the latin name or formal name of botany mist which is a Queen butterfly nectar source in the Rio Grande Valley? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Does deer repellant really work from Hope NJ November 10, 2009 Does Deer Stopper by Messina Wildlife really work as an organic pest repellent? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Grasses, Native Plants | Plants to stabilize a steep slope in east Texas November 09, 2009 We have a very steep dirt dam in Winnsboro TX, full sun, and burmuda and rye grasses have not been enough to keep from having some mud sliding. We keep adding clay and reworking but want to preserve the dam and 3 acre pond. What plantings do you suggest for full sun that will help prevent erosion. There are deer in the area. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Disease | Problems with Agave americana in Comfort TX November 09, 2009 We have lost a huge agave americana and are not able to find out what to do for our others. The one we lost was rotted or eaten (beetles?) at the base and the whole thing just fell over. We have a lot of very big ones and don't want to lose any more. Is there some treatment we should use? We cannot find any information or help with this. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants, Plant Propagation, Wildflowers | Finding Viguiera dentata seeds or plants. November 09, 2009 I'm trying to locate seeds or plants of Viguiera Dentata, but have been unsuccessful. With the poliferation of these beautiful flowers this fall, I don't understand why I can't locate them. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find them? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Fall care for Fan Scarlet lobelia in Rock Island IL November 09, 2009 What do I do with Scarlet Fan lobelia in the fall; do I cut it back or let it go as is? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Care | Problems with non-native cuphea in Pearland TX November 09, 2009 I have about 8 Bat Face Cupheas and I am having trouble with them. First, instead of mounding 360 degrees, the branches all grow forward (they do bloom well). They're in full sun, about 3 feet out from a wall. What could be causing this? Second, I live very near Houston, when and how should I trim them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants | Removing three-seeded mercury in Aujstin November 09, 2009 How can I get rid of Three Seeded Mercury (Acalypha phleoides)? Even if I try to dig it up, the roots go down forever and it ends up just breaking at 6-8" down. Just breaking it off at the surface, makes it grow even lusher. I've been trying for years to get rid of it and it's just spreading and taking over more of the yard. The "yard" is horse herb (aka straggler daisy) and other plants that come up that I like. I don't mow. I just pull out what I don't like. But this one weed is defeating me. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | How rare is the Devil's Cigar Fungus (Chorioactis geaster)? November 08, 2009 I have found a fungus called devil's cigar in the woods behind my house in Westlake Hills Texas. I read that it is rare. Is it considered rare even to Central Texas? If so, do I need to let someone know I found it as an endangered species or maybe a plant specialist would just like to see it. Who should I contact if necessary? Thanks for your time! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping | Foundation Plants for South Carolina November 07, 2009 What native plants are suitable as foundation plantings? My soil is heavy clayey loam with red clay subsoil. I live in Charleston County. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Bluebonnets, Native Plants, Wildflowers | Planting fields with wildflowers November 05, 2009 I'm hoping to seed a few fields (large area, short grass) the easiest way possible. I'd love to do bluebonnets but I don't think I can get a large aerator to the locations. Basically I'm wondering what would be the biggest bang for my buck in terms of ease of planting and flower density (with preference for the classics like paintbrushes, and for something I could seed this season if not too late). Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Grasses | Best sod for a yard in Elgin, TX? November 05, 2009 First time home buyer and the back yard will need to be sodded. What is an honest price range for this service for 213 sq.yds.? The site is in blackland prairie soil. What type grass is best suited for this area and is drought resistant and low maintenance? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses | Replacing St. Augustine with native grasses in San Antonio November 04, 2009 I am hoping to replace St. Augustine on a sloped yard with native grass. I was wondering where I might get information on the prairie grass seed mats used by the TXDOT highway dept to stop erosion. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Why is my yaupon tree not producing berries in Metairie La? November 04, 2009 What is the lifespan of a Yaupon Tree? We live in Louisiana, and our Yaupon would always get the white flowers in the Spring but never the red berries. Why is that? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Can a mustang grape and an oak coexist in Austin November 04, 2009 I have a healthy mustang grape vine growing on an oak in my yard. While the vine provides plenty of good food and a pleasant environment for many birds throughout the year, I feel it is overtaking the oak. The largest part of the trunk of the vine is just less than one inch in diameter. I would like to prune the vine this November or December and would like to do it carefully to prevent harm to both the tree and the vine. How much can I prune the vine? Or to put it differently, how much of the vine should I leave above ground? If pruned, what other care will the vine need to continue living? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | How can I distinguish between Wax Myrtle and Dwarf Wax Myrtle? November 04, 2009 I need help identifying between a southern wax myrtle and a dwarf wax myrtle. I am after the bigger type and think my landscaper accidently put in dwarfs. How can I tell? I had 8 put in and their leaves are different, some serrate, some smooth, some narrower with no serrate while others are wider with serration. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Propagation | Propagation of American Beautyberry November 03, 2009 Hello. I would love to know how to propagate the American Beauty (Texas Location) as I think it is most gorgeous. We lost most of our shrubs/plants in Ike and are replacing them. If I do these from seeds, what is the procedure to follow? Can I just put it in the soil as is, will it root this way? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses | Holding bare soil before sowing native grasses in spring. November 03, 2009 I want to try your buffalo/bluegrama/curly mesquite. Right now my yard is ploughed. What should I do until spring? I assume I should add living compost to the top 3", plant bluegrass for now, and then sow, rake, and press in your buffalo/bluegrama/curly mesquite combo next March 21st, right? John View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Is there an automated image download function for the NPIN Image Gallery? November 03, 2009 Hi, I have a database/web technical question. Do you provide an interface to retrieve photos from your website programatically? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees, Miscellaneous | Are the moths in my Austin, TX live oaks harmful? November 03, 2009 It is November and my live oak trees are full of moths. What are they and are they harmful to my trees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses, Native Plants | Native plants to replace St. Augustine over septic area November 02, 2009 Hi. We're new to Orlando, FL and need some help with plants that would be suitable to grow over our septic field. It's on the west side of the house, full sun. We live in a subdivision that required that every disturbed area be planted over with St. Augustine grass, but I'm not a fan of massive lawns, and we have a one-acre lot. The law has since changed, so the sub/d will be forced to allow us to remove some of the resource-wasting St. Augustine. Can you suggest some lovely plants for us? TIA! Nancy PS - It think it's absolutely fabulous that Mrs. Johnson's legacy is continuing. This is a great website. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Propagation, Wildlife Gardening | Propagating milkweeds for a monarch butterfly habitat November 02, 2009 I am planting a monarch habitat in Burnet, Tx with Antelope horns, Green milkweed, and butterfly weed. Should I plant in fall or spring??? Should I use cold moist stratification for 3 months at 40 degrees in sand on all three types of milkweed or just antelope horns. Is is better to plant in peat pots or clay pots over the winter and then transplant in spring around March??? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses, Native Plants, Native Trees, Plant Identification, Wildflowers | Books and other resources to identify plants in Washington state November 02, 2009 We live just north of Seattle, WA on Camano Island and want to do a plant survey of our two acres. Any suggestions of books or other resources, particularly for the grasses and low growing plants? A thousand thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Groundcover for shade in Paris, Texas November 02, 2009 I have a south exposure with 2 large sycamore trees. Noon sun in patches and mainly dappled shade but not dense. I'm consideering planting asian ivy. The soil is "sandy loam" but it's very sandy and heavy. St. Augustine grass grows but I don't want it. Are my chances good? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Wildlife Gardening | Larval host plants for Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies October 31, 2009 I am looking for a list of larval host plants for Painted Lady butterflies. Could you provide such a list? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants, Native Grasses | Grass at Wildflower Center with purple glow October 31, 2009 What is the clumping grass along the WFC meadow trail that has a seedhead resembling bermudagrass and a glow similar to purple three-awn when backlit by the sun. I saw it yesterday (Oct. 2) and wondered if it was Chloris verticillata. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Bluebonnets | Will the new bluebonnet plants survive the winter? October 31, 2009 I live in Leander, and we've had 19 1/2 inches of rain in the past three weeks. ALL of our bluebonnets are coming up! Can they survive the winter? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Poisonous Plants | Are the seeds of Texas ebony poisonous to dogs from Chandler AZ October 30, 2009 Please tell me if it is dangerous for my puppy to eat the seeds of a Texas ebony. She seems to be attracted to them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Need a shade tree in a limited space in Louisville, GA October 29, 2009 Mr. Smarty Pants, Hello! What kind of tree would be good to shade, in a limited space, and having a taproot? This is in middle Ga. One side of yard has main water pipe coming in off the road and the other side has a sewer line from the Huge Hickory tree to the house. The front yard where I need the trees faces west, so it gets the heat of the day. A screened porch runs across the front of the house. From the front of the house to the sidewalk is approx. 30'. Thanks for in advance for your input!!!! I can send pics of my front yard if needed. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Trellis plant for Southern California October 29, 2009 What is the best selection for a trellis plant? I live in Southern CA (zip 91701), and the area is on the southern part of our home with little or no shade. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Vines for trellis in Livermore, CA October 29, 2009 I am looking for a native vine for a northern California location. It's Livermore California with a climate intermediate between the SF Bay and the Central Valley. Some frost in the winter. Maybe 10 days over 100 in the summer. The location gets full sun until late afternoon. I want to cover a trellis about 11' x 15' wide and 10'high. Would Wisteria frutescens work? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | ID of plant that looks like a pine cone? October 29, 2009 I have a plant that i was told it was a Pine Cone plant. When it blooms it looks just like a pine cone. but i can't fine anything on it. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Plants | Native vine to cover brick column in Houston October 28, 2009 I have a brick column (~20ft tall) in the entry way to my house in Houston, TX. I am looking for a beautiful native vine that'll cover the column and soften the look of the house. I don't want to use a trellis, so I'd prefer something that'll "grip" brick and mortar and hopefully won't do too much damage say in the next 5 yrs. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses, Native Plants | Plants for seeping hillside and muddy bottom area October 28, 2009 We live on the north side of Lake Travis. About half acre of our property is currently planted with natives. The other half consists of a huge limestone ledge, a steep slope with little soil that seeps water when we get enough rain, and a very flat bottom-slope area with more exposed limestone and soil in some parts. The bottom area is full of King Ranch bluestem, a cedar elm and 3 mesquite. Any suggestions for what to use on the slope that seeps or to put in the bottom area that stays muddy after rain? We don't irrigate. Thanks so much! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Care | Will a cut back yucca grow back in Lockbourne OH? October 28, 2009 I live in Ohio and recently I cut back all my plants to prepare for winter. I am wondering if my Yuccas will grow back. I cut them to ground level so only a little bit of the leaf is showing. I was told that I shouldn't have cut them so I'm just wondering if they will grow back or if I need to replace them? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses | Replacing bermudagrass with buffalograss in San Antonio October 28, 2009 We inherited a back yard full of weeds when we bought a fixer-upper a couple of years back in San Antonio, TX. Since we moved in, some "native" bermuda started growing in the yard. I think the "native" burmuda came from seeds blowing over to our yard from our neighbor's yard. Last year my husband decided to buy some tiff bermuda to see how that would work out. We have a very sunny back yard. There is only a little shade from a small Red Oak we planted. Unfortunately we put in sod right before the drought and it is not looking too healthy right now. I think it will come back but I was wondering if I could seed a native grass like "buffalo" (I was thinking about the 4" variety, to limit the need for mowing) in the same lawn. If I did this would the buffalo win out or am I stuck with bermuda? I personally have never liked the invasive nature of bermuda. But since bermuda is what was starting to grow in the lawn my husband thought that tiff would be a good choice. We have a vegetable garden and are planning for paths & flower, rock and mulch beds in the yard. I do not wish to spend the rest of my life pulling bermuda out of all my beds. Please help??? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Grasses | Replacing St. Augustine grass with native grasses in Georgetown TX October 28, 2009 I have a St Augustine yard around my house. I would like to introduce or replace this type of grass with some of the Buffalo, Blue Gamma and or Curly Mesquite. Can I plant some of the native seed in with my St. Augustine and eventually have a mixture or "conversion" process ensue, or will I have to replace the entire yard? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants | Fall flowering purple shrub for Bloomfield Hills MI October 28, 2009 Need a fall flowering shrub for my temperature zone, preferably purple. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Disease | Yellowing of non-native eggplant in Temple TX October 28, 2009 I planted egg plants in my raised bed garden for the first time this season. The plants are healthy and have produced a number of beautiful small white fruit with purple accent (spots). However, the fruits have all turned yellow. Why? Is this something to do with soil? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Poisonous Plants | Is Parthenocissus heptaphylla poisonous? October 27, 2009 Hi, I have a simple question for you, but I can't seem to find the answer to it. Is Parthenocissus heptaphylla toxic the way the VA creeper is? From what I've read, they're very similar in many ways, but I'd prefer something non-toxic, since I have small kiddos around. I'm looking for a climbing vine-type plant for our pergola. I'm in San Antonio. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Need a native tree for full sun in Hockley, TX October 27, 2009 What native trees should I plant for full sun. I am building on a 1/2 acre previously used as grazing land on the original Katy prairie. I need one large shade tree, a few smaller ornamentals, and an evergreen. The soil is silty sand/clayey sand and slightly acid. It is moist but very well drained. I need to be able to purchase the trees at local (within 30-40 miles) nurseries, either wholesale or retail. Finding natives seems to be a big part of the problem. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Managing Roadsides, Native Grasses, Managing Roadsides | New low maintenance grass similar to Turffalo October 27, 2009 While touring the Wildlife Center, our group was told about about a new low maintenance grass similar to Turffalo. It only grows several inches tall, drought resistant and crowds out other grasses and weeds. The highway department has started using it along the roadways. The guide thought the name might be Midway mix. I cannot find any information about this grass. Please tell me its name and where it can be purchased? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees, Plant Disease | Red maple with burnt leaves in Buda TX October 27, 2009 I planted a red maple last fall. Planted in full sun here in Buda Texas. The leaves are yellowing and then they dry out completely almost looks burnt. Problem starts in middle of leaf and then works its way out. Any ideas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Twig girdlers attacking an Elm tree in Wimberly, TX. October 27, 2009 I was looking at my small 6' cedar elm and noticed that four (4) 1/2" limbs have circle cuts a 1/8" wide completely around them and they are dead. Is this some insect or maybe a bigger critter? I have several other cedar elms and they are not affected. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Native trees safe for cattle in Waller TX October 27, 2009 I have a ranch where the pastures have no trees. Can you recommend native species which as safe for cattle and relatively maintenance free? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Propagation | Sales of horseherb seeds in Arlington, TX area October 27, 2009 Where can I purchase horseherb seeds in Arlington tx.or Dallas Ft.Worth area View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Plants, Plant Propagation | Are there production timing guides for native plant production? October 27, 2009 We need growers timetable guide for native plants from seed to salable size. Any already published guides out there? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Care | Care for non-native Mexican ruellia in Monroe LA October 27, 2009 Dwarf Mexican Petunia I have found information that late in the season, when growth becomes leggy, cut back plants by as much as a half to force a new spurt of growth. Watch for tobacco bud worms, aphids, snails, and slugs. What is the most effective plan for controlling the above problems? I have grow beds and all my potted plants both in the hoophouses and out in the open are on black ground cover secured with six inch staples. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Wildflowers | Small perennials & grasses for a naturalized lawn October 26, 2009 I am looking for native perennials and grasses that will grow no more than 8 inches tall that can be used in a naturalized lawn in Michigan. What 5 plants would be your first choice? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants | Containing roots in Kaysville UT October 26, 2009 I'm planting my yard in all native Rocky Mountain and Great Basin plants. Is there a way to halt or contain the root propagation of Smooth Leaf Sumac and Quaking Aspen? I've considered digging down some depth to place barriers to contain the shoots to a specific area but don't know if this would be effective. My soil is medium to light clay with varying amounts of moisture and sunlight depending on the location. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants, Plant Care | Rose varieties for Alabama October 26, 2009 What climate and soil types will Rosa Rogosa, a plant that grows in MA, require? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Wildflowers | Planting wildflower seed into horseherb in Austin October 26, 2009 Can I plant a Texas wildflower seed mix into a stand of Horseherb? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees, Plant Disease | Problems with post oaks in Milam Co., TX October 26, 2009 I have an old ranch in Milam County, Texas on the Brazos River with several large, old Post Oaks. Recently a few of these grand old trees have lost large branches and two have died. One has died, possibly as a result of the construction of a new house about 25 feet away; the tree first lost all its leaves, regrew them in the spring, then lost them in this summer's drought. After it lost the crown a second time, the bark started to peel off. I have another one of these great trees that is nowhere near any construction, has a healthy crown, but now has some bark shedding off the main trunk. Is this all natural aging or is there something I should be doing to preserve these trees? (besides stopping construction near them). Would fertilizer or pesticides help the situation or make it worse? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Miscellaneous | Did my neighbor's zucchini affect my apple tree from Oak Lawn, IL October 26, 2009 My neighbor planted zucchini plants near a flowering non-fruit producing apple tree in my yard. Soon afterwards in July the tree began to shed leaves. Could the zucchini plant have caused this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Native Trees | Will lilacs survive in Houston? October 26, 2009 My wife loves the smell of Lilacs (we're originally from Oregon), but we don't see any here in Houston. Is it possible to get lilacs to survive in Southeast Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Propagation | Germination of Passiflora suberosa in Monterrey Mexico October 26, 2009 Hello, I need recommendation on how to germinate Passiflora seeds. I have a Passiflora suberosa plant, not on your database but native, and have fresh fuits of it. They look very much like a blueberry, and the seeds are small. I have photos if you want. I live in Monterrey Mexico, hope you can answer. Thanks a lot. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Poisonous Plants | Is hopseed bush poisonous to horses in San Diego October 26, 2009 I need to plant a hedge to block unwanted neighbors and shield the horse corral from the house. I love the hopseed bush for its growing habits and color, especially the purple hopseed. I need to know if it is poisonous to horses. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Invasive Plants, Plant Care | Damage to ruellia in Monroe LA October 26, 2009 I have hundreds of Ruellia Brittoniana. Dwarf Katie White, Katie Blue and Katie Pink. I am finding holes in some of the leaves, Some just have notches chewed out of them. Some of the leaves have even fallen off due to damage it looks like. What can this be and what should I do? I have searched hundreds of questions on your site under plant damage and I still have not found for sure what I need.I saw your information and photos of spider mites, white flies Etc. I don't see anything like that.I saw what we call a stink bug that we see on cucumbers but I only saw one. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Plant identification October 25, 2009 Deer are devastating understory in our woods. We have a highly resistant shrub purchased years ago at the state arboretum plant sale. It is about 5-6' tall, somewhat wider than that, many suckers/offshoots surrounding the parent shrub. It has simple, opposite finely and unevenly toothed leaves, prominent veins, particularly on the underside (about 8 big ones and then several small ones merging together at the end of the leaf.) Distinctive fruit - a 3 berried cluster only at the end of the stalk, each berry 1/4 in., currently with dried blue/black covering with a single seed inside. The seed is lt. beige/tan with "scaling" covering patterened a bit like overlaping in a pine cone. Fruit has 3 dried, open bracts behind the cluster. Plant has good sized white flowers about late May. To some extent, leaf is kind of like an arrow wood viburnum but not as rounded. It still is bright green while most other leaves are turning here in northern NJ. I work with a volunteer organization which is promoting deer-resistant plantings and want to propagate and distribute this shrub. What should I say it is ?? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Native Grasses | Need some help with a Buffalo grass planting in Salado, TX October 23, 2009 Recently we planted buffalo grass sod in the spring of 2007. During the summer I had a problem with barnyard grass due to a lot of rain. During 2008 I had a problem with nut grass. I had been advised to use "sedge hammer" to control the nut grass. But, the "sedge hammer" seemed to kill the buffalo grass. This year I used a herbicide called "certainty". It seemed to control the nut grass without killing the buffalo grass. I have several areas where the buffalo grass has died and the area is bare. Also, there are several patches where common bermudagrass is growing. What would cause the buffalo grass to die in several areas and is there anything I can do to control the bermudagrass? Also, is there fertilizer I can use to green-up the grass and make it thick? I have set the mower blade to 3 1/2". I guess I am asking how to take care of buffalo grass. Your advice will be appreciated. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Plant identification and seed source October 23, 2009 We drove to Fredricksburg this Saturday the 17th and beginning at about Dripping Springs there is a very showy bright yellow wildflower that is so pretty. It probably is about 2' tall. Would love to know the name and where I can get some seed. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Plant Identification | Need to identify orange tube-like plants in Middleboro, MA October 23, 2009 Mr. Smarty Plants~ I live near some industrial companies, and lately I have been finding these orange plants, like tubes almost the top being brownish all over my backyard in the mulch. They have a white sack attached to the bottom, under the soil, they look like it may have seeds or something in it. From what I understand, there is a horrible smell emitted from the sack if broken. Could you please tell me if you have ever heard of anything like this, or what it might be? Is it poisonous? Thank you very much, View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Poisonous Plants | Are Smilax species toxic? October 23, 2009 I have a plant that the agriculture department told me was similax. I have a severe allergic reaction to it, after digging up the roots (potato) and burning them. I had a feeling my lungs inside were on fire. They told me however that there is nothing in this weed that could cause such an allegic reaction. If that is so, why do I start with a rash like poison ivy, next time it is worse and finally we have to keep an epi-pen in my pocket if I am outside working in my flowers or cutting grass. I have made 4 trips to the ER this summer, as in the past 5 yrs.Could you please tell me if the africulure dept is mistaken? Your help is greatly appreciated, as none of the Drs in the ER know what similax, green brier, or cat brier is. Thanks in advance for your help. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Wildflowers | Wildflower preparation for winter October 22, 2009 I live in Onieda New York and I would like to know what do I do with my wild flowers before winter so they look great next year? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
| Landscaping, Wildflowers | Winter preparation for wildflowers October 22, 2009 My first attempt at my wild flower garden is successful. I planted a box of perennial seeds, so I don't know what type of plants I actually have. My concern is what to do once the temperature drops. Do you cut everything back? Is it likely that they will just come back next spring? I am a novice but would like to keep the garden looking as good. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |
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