Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - January 26, 2016

From: Tioga, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Trees
Title: What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, TX?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, Texas called? They are dark green with spiky leaves and rough bark. I have a row planted as a windscreen and want to transplant a couple from a shady to a sunny spot before they get too big. I have been researching how to transplant them, but am not sure what they are called. Thank you.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants finds it difficult to identify plants from a written description, even if it is a good one.  A cone-shaped evergreen with spiky leaves brings to mind Eastern Red Ceda(Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar) which does occur in Grayson County. Its plant profile indicates that it can grow in sun, part. shade, and shade. You probably have neighbors who can identify the trees, and I’m sure that your county agent (Texas Agrilife Extension Service) can.

I have found the following links that will hopefully complement the research you have already done.

How to plant a juniper tree 

Step by Step Guides 

Clemson  1 

Clemson 2   

Northscaping; Minimizing transplant shock 

 

 

 

From the Image Gallery


Eastern red cedar
Juniperus virginiana

More Trees Questions

Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands
August 18, 2011 - I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r...
view the full question and answer

Why all the acorns from Austin
November 03, 2010 - What's the explanation for the huge crop of acorns falling from my live oak trees this fall. Do you recommend I dump them in my composter or just throw them in the flower beds? Thanking you in adv...
view the full question and answer

Need help with a Pecan tree that has been topped in Austin, TX.
July 06, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants! I have a pecan tree on my property that was topped by the previous owners. I have searched high and low for information on how to correctly prune a tree that has already been ...
view the full question and answer

Search for Silver Magnolia from Coram NY
July 11, 2012 - Hi, 20+ years ago I purchased a small tree labeled Silver Magnolia from a catalog. It was a sapling about 8 inches high when I first received it but amazing! The bloom the first year was as big as my ...
view the full question and answer

Baby mountain laurels are ready to move, in Lockhart Texas
October 19, 2011 - I want to harvest the baby mountain laurel plants which are growing under a large bush. What height would be best for the young plants survival? Please recommend a soil mixture for the pots.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.