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
Friday - October 28, 2011
From: Westminster, MD
Region: Select Region
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Trees
Title: Control of Paulownia tomentosa from Westminster MD
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have heard that there is a type of herbicide that is to be applied to slashes made in the outer layer of invasive trees such as Paulownia. This type of application is reputed to prevent the little seedlings that sprout from the roots if the Paulownia is simply cut to the ground. Do you have suggestions?ANSWER:
Let us start by saying there are two things we don't like-the first is the use of non-native plants, such as Paulownia tomentosa, Princess Tree. The second thing we don't like is trying chemical fixes that endanger other plants, animals (including humans) and the environment. From Texasinvasives.org, in which the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower is an active partner, read this information from the Texas Invasives Database. Mr. Smarty Plants never recommends plants that are neither native to North America nor to the areas in which they grow naturally. One of the main reasons for this is the possibility of invasiveness, taking over and pushing out natives that are adapted to the climate, moisture and soils of the area.
We do not pretend to be an expert nor to have any experience with the methods suggested but we will refer you to a couple of websites that seem to contain the information to which you are referring:
DCNR Invasive Exotic Plant Tutorial, Species management and control information on Paulonia tomentosa
From the University of Kentucky, Forest Health-Invasive Plant Hit List: Paulownia
We urge you to read all the information on these websites before making any kind of decision, and also to consult with a trained and licensed professional in the application of herbicides. We also frequently recommend that you start with the local Extension office, which may be able to steer you in the right direction on local laws and rules on herbicides. Your office is University of Maryland Extension Office for Carroll Co.
One last word: the best way to deal with an invasive plant is to never plant it!
More Trees Questions
Selecting landscape trees for Denton Co., TX
August 11, 2006 - I live in Denton County and I'm trying to select a few trees to plant in my yard. I'd like them to be native or at least "antique" (hardy varieties which have adapted to the conditions without bec...
view the full question and answer
What plants grow well in Athens, TX?
January 18, 2011 - Athens, Texas, we have very sandy soil mixed with clay, what plants grow well here?
view the full question and answer
Will hand pollination of red plum tree result in fruits?
February 24, 2014 - Red Plum is blooming but no bees to pollinate & no associate plum trees near by. Can flowers be pollinated by hand with q-tip?
view the full question and answer
Mountain Laurel not growing in Hallettesville, TX.
September 16, 2012 - Mountain laurel has been planted over 2 years. Well drained,sandy soil, full sun. They have not grown or set blooms despite occasional all purpose fertilizers. What is wrong?
view the full question and answer
Killing regrowing shoots of a downed hackberry tree
June 28, 2013 - Hackberry plants won't die. You and others have suggested to cut the suckers or saplings to get rid of them. Over the years I have continued to cut the same saplings and the only thing I have now ar...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |