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.

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?

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

19 ratings

Tuesday - June 09, 2009

From: Meridian, ID
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Problem with non-native Chocolate Silk Tree, Albizia julibrissin
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

How do we get our Chocolate Silk Tree that once had redish brown leaves from now green to the original color? Thank You.

ANSWER:

The expertise and focus of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is with plants native to North America. Summer Chocolate Silk tree is a cultivar of Albizia julibrissin (silk tree). The native distribution of this tree is from Iran to Japan. Not only is it a non-native and, thus, not really in our purview, but it is also considered invasive. Mr. Smarty Plants suggests you go to UBC Botanical Garden Forums or iVillage GardenWeb forums where you can post your question and might be able to find the answer.

Native Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

rate this answer

Tuesday - June 09, 2009

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

More Non-Natives Questions