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: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Rare or Endangered Plants, Trees
Title: Texas madrone trimmings for a wedding
Answered by: Barbara Medford
We believe you are mistaking Mr. Smarty Plants for a forum-type website, in which people post comments and requests. Our function is to answer questions on native plants in North America, their care and protection. We don't know of any Texas area forum where you could post your request, and believe you would have some difficulty getting anyone to give up trimmings of this tree, even if they were doing trimming in this terrible heat. It blooms white February to April, which means it is finished blooming for this year, and the foliage itself is nothing remarkable. The most noteworthy thing about this tree is its peeling bark, often revealing a red trunk, which has led to the common name "Naked Indian."
From our website on Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone): "Conditions Comments: One of the most interesting and beautiful native trees of Texas, but temperamental to propagate or grow. Propagation requirements are complex, and it is very difficult to transplant successfully from the wild. In the landscape, it grows best in well-drained areas."
From the US Forest Service Index of Species on Texas Madrone: "Texas madrone is listed as an endangered species by the Texas Organization for Endangered Species."
SITES (or CITES) accredited source for native orchids
January 03, 2012 - Do you know of a nursery which is SITES accredited which offer North American native orchids? I grow as a hobby indoor ones as well as keep my eyes out protecting the outside native ones we have: Spir...
view the full question and answer
Is crow's foot endangered from Delta PA
November 29, 2009 - I, too, used crows foot in Christmas Wreaths. I have recently heard that is endangered and you could be fined picking it and using it. Wondering if this is a true statement. There is still lots in ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for Pflugerville, TX in blackland soil
March 21, 2008 - Mr. S-P,
I'm perusing the plant sale list for a couple of tall shrubs to plant on the sunny southwest side of my house, in Blackland soil. It is generally dry there because of the sun, but can ge...
view the full question and answer
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 k...
view the full question and answer
Endangered/threatened status for Hexalectris spicata in Texas
November 17, 2007 - I was wondering about the status of Crested Coralroot Orchid (Hexalectris spicata) in Texas. Over the years I have located several clumps of them growing on a ranch in southern Bell county. The mos...
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. |