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
Monday - August 25, 2014
From: Waco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Problems with a Cercis (Redbud)
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
Half of my redbud tree is pooped out looking. On two places on the bark are areas where a few layers of bark have pulled back. In these areas there are white growths.ANSWER:
Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has a good online factsheet on Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) that might help with your tree problems. If your problem is progressing and this is a valuable tree, call a certified arborist to come take a look at your tree.
Here's some of what the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories said about redbud problems ... Cankers are the most serious disease problem of redbud. These fungi infect major limbs and the trunk cutting off the flow of nutrients. Most canker fungi require that the tree be under stress and have an open wound for infection. The most common stress factor is summer drought. Verticillium wilt is another disease that produces very similar symptoms to cankers.
Both of these diseases are first seen as single limb dieback that may spread to the entire tree. Verticillium infects roots and spreads to the stem. Several leaf spot fungi including anthracnose attack this species especially during wet springs.
Old trees are often attacked by wood boring insects. These insects are first noticed from the frass that accumulates at the base or the tree or sap oozing from holes in the bark. A number of leaf-feeding insects are also attracted to redbud. These include tent caterpillar,leafhoppers, treehoppers, leafrollers, weevils and other caterpillars. Branches are often attacked by scale insects including greedy, oleander, leucanium and terrapin.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Eco-friendly trees for parks in Brownsville, TX
April 26, 2008 - Which are the best eco friendly trees for parks?
view the full question and answer
Safe branch length of oaks in Clayton NC
November 06, 2011 - I have 2 very large oak trees in my yard and I am concerned about the length of the branches over the house and driveway. Most seem larger than 4" in diameter. What is a safe length for these branc...
view the full question and answer
Tool for removing live oak root shoots in Gonzales TX
August 09, 2010 - I've read your answer to live oak root shoots. You said to get rid of them by going 2 to 4 inches below the surface and cutting them. What tool is best for this shoot removal? I'm getting very tir...
view the full question and answer
Plants for winter installation in Houston
January 01, 2009 - What plants can you plant in the winter, Houston, Texas?
view the full question and answer
Delay in fruiting of Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana)
July 20, 2005 - Dear experts,
My wife and i are members of your fine organization. Several years ago we
bought four things at a spring plant sale for an understory spot in our yard.
The Possumhaw Holly, American ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |