Native Plants
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.
rate this answer
Sunday - April 10, 2016
From: Boerne, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Problem Plants, Shade Tolerant, Trees
Title: Why doesn't my Rusty blackhead bloom?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have planted Rusty blackhaws the past several years..some bloomed the first year and every year since....and others 3 years old have not bloomed yet... Do all Rusty blackhaws bloom eventually or are there male plants that do not bloom..??ANSWER:
One of our previous answers addresses this question.
"According to the chart in Tree Sex: Gender & Reproductive Strategies from Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Viburnum rufidulum (Rusty blackhaw viburnum) is neither monoecious (male and female reproductive structures on the same plant but in separate flowers) or dioecious (male and female reproductive structures on separate plants). It is cosexual or hermaphroditic (male and female structures together in the same flower)."
Therefore, all plants have the capability of blooming. I have read that while Rusty blackhaw thrives as a small understory tree it blooms most prolifically in full sun. It makes me wonder if your trees that have not yet bloomed are in a more heavily shaded location than your blooming trees. That is the only reason I can think of unless the plants are simply not yet old enough to bloom.
More Problem Plants Questions
Eliminating skunk cabbage in Troy, NY
May 19, 2009 - My yard is overgrown with skunk cabbage. My question is how do I get rid of it?
view the full question and answer
A puppy's challenge in the ivy
February 23, 2016 - ok.. so, heres the thing: my puppy &i often play with a frisbee toy in the yard (cuz the boy's got leaps!). however, it has become apparent that, simply put: i am a TERRIBLE frisbee player!! truly th...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with hair-like prickles
January 04, 2013 - Trying to find out what kind of vine I ran into yesterday while climbing a deer stand. While pushing limbs and vines down from around me, I noticed hair-like thorns stuck in my sleeves and hands. This...
view the full question and answer
Can oleander poison the ground below it?
June 29, 2013 - Can oleander poison the ground below it? Would it kill/damage grass or other plants below it? Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Germination of Sophora seeds, and Dodder identification in Kingsland, TX.
May 02, 2012 - Our Mt. Laurel has just produced seeds. Can those be scarified and planted now or do they have to dry out.
Also what is the stringy orange substance that gets on bluebonnets and other wildflowers ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |