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 - August 01, 2010
From: Round Rock, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Live oak with brown balls and brown spots in Round Rock PA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is my live oak sick? Brown spots are on the leaves and round brown balls are growing on the stems. Please help.ANSWER:
We're startled to even know there are live oaks in Pennsylvania. There is a Round Rock just north of Austin-did you possibly hit the wrong state? We could not find a single member of the Quercus (oak) genus with the name "live oak" among its common names that is known to grow in Pennsylvania. So, we'll just proceed on finding information about the problems you are having with your oak, whatever it is and wherever you are, and hope to get the answers you need.
Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program has an online article on Round Balls on Live Oaks, which indicates it is caused by a small wasp, and should not be considered much of a threat to the tree.
Just about this time last year, we got a similar question about brown spots on oak leaves, see the previous answer. This indicated water stress, too much or too little. Last year, when that question was written, the situation was definitely too little water and too hot; this year, we just now hit our first 100 degree day, on the first of August, and have had more rain than normal.
You will note that both answers recommend contacting your local extension office. Since we're not sure where your extension office is, we are going to give you the contact information for the Texas AgriLIFE Extension Office for Travis County or Williamson County, Texas.
P.S. Google couldn't find a "Round Rock, PA" either
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Rust spots on non-native red tip photinia
July 10, 2008 - I live in Oklahoma and my red tips have rust spots on leaves and some plants are losing leaves. This is a clay soil; can you give me any info. on how to solve this problem?
view the full question and answer
Mountain Laurel having trouble in AZ
June 07, 2011 - A Sophora secundflora (Texas mountain laurel) was planted to an Arizona north faced front yard last year in August under full sun. Starting early this year, I noticed its leaves turn to light green an...
view the full question and answer
Plant mistakes from Cedar Park, TX
April 09, 2014 - At our "Wilts End" in Cedar Park, TX. and are looking for a tall shrub/tree that will hide a 6-ft tall concrete wall and muffle the noise from a busy street. The wall forms a very wide-angled V shap...
view the full question and answer
Oaks at Wildflower Center from Wimberley TX
September 05, 2012 - I know you have numerous Quercus fusiformis examples at the ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. My question is, do you also have Quercus virginiana growing there?
Also, is Oak Wilt a disease that ...
view the full question and answer
Damage from feral hogs
September 30, 2009 - Hello.
What extent of damage can be expected when planting wildflower seeds in an area regularly visited by feral hogs? In some cases do the hogs actually help plant the seed as they root around? ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |