Explore Plants
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.
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.
rate this answer
Sunday - April 26, 2009
From: San Ramon, CA
Region: California
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Suckers on non-native Mayten tree
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We have a Meyten tree that has lots of suckers coming up from the roots. We would like to keep the tree, but if we can't find a way to control the suckers, we are considering taking it out. Any suggestions on how to get rid of all the suckers ?ANSWER:
We think you are probably referring to Maytenus boaria, which is native to South America, and therefore not in our area of expertise. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are committed to the use and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. This California Gardens website Maytenus boaria points out that the plant suckers when the roots are disturbed, and that it has made the pest list in many areas. California is such a good area for growing things that far too many invasive non-natives have been allowed to take over and damage native habitats. We would suggest you take out the tree and then be constantly on the watch for fresh suckers appearing.
More Non-Natives Questions
Problems with non-native gardenias in San Ramon, CA
July 11, 2009 - I have a Gardenia tree planted in my front yard that gets shade and sun. It is dropping leaves and the leaves that are left are yellow. I had been watering it every day, but decreased that to every ot...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Meyer lemon not bearing fruit in Austin
September 13, 2010 - I have had a meyer lemon for 9 years and it has never produced fruit. What do I do? It has beautiful leaves and thorns but no fruit.
Thank you,
Mr. Smarty Plants
view the full question and answer
Non-native invasive chickweed in Collegeville PA
December 31, 2011 - My problem is chickweed. I have found considerable information on how to eliminate the chickweed. My question is after following a suggested elimination process: How and when do I reseed with grass?...
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets for Shanghai
June 25, 2012 - I am a Texas native that now lives in Shanghai, and I am trying to grow a little piece of home (Texas bluebonnets) indoors, and I was wondering:
a. Do you have any ideal soil recipes that bluebonne...
view the full question and answer
Damage to plants after sudden freeze in Redway CA
January 02, 2010 - I live on the North Coast of California near "The Avenue of the Giants" and Redwoods State Park along the Eel River. We recently have had below freezing weather, constant rain and even snow! I have...
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. |
