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 - September 27, 2011

From: Tulsa, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Looking for a redbud sized tree to plant in Tulsa OK.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I am looking for a native tree about the size of a redbud to place in my prairie bed in Tulsa Oklahoma, wildlife friendly trees preferred, thanks!

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants is wondering; why not plant a Redbud?

There are three varieties of Redbud for you to consider: the Eastern redbud Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud), the Texas redbud Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas redbud), and the Mexican redbud Cercis canadensis var. mexicana (Mexican redbud). The Mexican variety is smaller, and it grows in South Texas and into Mexico. This site from the University of Connecticut lists several cultivars of Eastern Redbud that are available.

Going to our Native Plants Database and using the Combination Search feature can give you a list of trees in the same size class a Redbud. To use this feature, go to the Database and scroll down to the Combination Search box. Select Oklahoma under State, Tree under Habit, and Perennial under Duration. Check 12-36 ft under size characteristics and click the Submit combination Search button. This will give you a list of 51 native species that are found in the state of Oklahoma. Clicking on the scientific name of of each plant will bring up its NPIN page which contains a description of the plant including its size, flowering characteristics, growth requirements, and photos. As you go through the list, try to match the plant to the growing conditions where it will be planted.

I am including the answer to a previous question. The question was from Virginia, but the person was looking for the same kind of information you are.

 

From the Image Gallery


Eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis

Texas redbud
Cercis canadensis var. texensis

Mexican redbud
Cercis canadensis var. mexicana

More Trees Questions

Lightning protection of smooth bark cypress
October 05, 2008 - I have been told that the smooth bark cypress stores a large amount of water at its base and if lightning strikes, it will explode and extinguish the flames. Could you tell me if this is a myth? I'...
view the full question and answer

What are the native fruit-bearing plants in North America?
February 16, 2010 - What are the native fruit-bearing plants in North America?
view the full question and answer

Caring for Texas Buckeye in Buda TX
February 07, 2011 - I have a Texas Buckeye that is planted in a moderate amount of shade. It is growing very slowly, and only holds on to it's leaves from late March to August. It has been in the ground for about 4-5 ye...
view the full question and answer

Removing Old Poison Ivy Vines from Pecan Trees
July 07, 2016 - I am in the process of cleaning up a creek bank that has very old pecan trees on it. The pecan trees have large poison ivy vines growing up the trunks. We cut one vine and when it died and fell from ...
view the full question and answer

Difference between liveoaks (Quercus fusiformis and Q. virginiana)
March 17, 2008 - I am a little confused on the identification differences between Quercus fusiformis and Quercus virginiana. How can you properly identify between the two?
view the full question and answer

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